Mid City Times

Published on February 11, 2024

Joe Gratts, the great-grandson of a Buffalo Soldier and nephew of Fort Worth's first Black librarian, is set to share his family's remarkable story in celebration of Black History Month. Gratts will delve into his family's rich legacy, which includes ancestors who were once enslaved in Parker County.

One notable ancestor, Lawson Daniel Gratts, broke free from the chains of slavery to become a Buffalo Soldier. Gratts will shed light on the courageous journey and accomplishments of his great-grandfather.

Another prominent figure in Gratts' family history is his aunt, Ella Mae Gratts Shamblee. Shamblee made history as Fort Worth's first Black librarian, and the Fort Worth Public Library's Ella Mae Shamblee branch is named in her honor. Shamblee's journey towards becoming a librarian began while she was working as a custodian at the downtown library. She would gather discarded books and distribute them to her neighbors, creating mini-libraries in her community. Eventually, she even converted an old bus into a bookmobile to bring literature to areas without branch libraries.

Gratts' hour-long presentation will take place at the Ella Mae Shamblee community library on February 17th. This event offers an opportunity to learn about the remarkable contributions of Gratts' family members and their impact on the Fort Worth community.

The Fort Worth Public Library is known for its dedication to fostering conversations and exploration through various programs. This event is just one example of the library's commitment to promoting cultural understanding and celebrating Black history.

For those who are hungry for more historical knowledge, the library offers a range of history-related events to further satisfy one's curiosity.

In the words of Joe Gratts himself, "I'm excited to share the stories of my family and their incredible journey. It's important to honor and remember our ancestors' contributions, and I hope this presentation will inspire others to learn more about their own family history."

Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the significant role Gratts' family has played in shaping the history of Fort Worth and the broader African American experience.