Simkins recalls hearing tales of how her grandmother had run away from her enslavers around the time of the Civil War. After having been undressed and whipped in front of other enslaved people, Simkins' grandmother, Sarah, ran away from the Seals plantation in Sumter County to Columbia, South Carolina. Along the way, she ran into Union soldiers who told her she was free. Later, Sarah offered hospitality to her former mistress who had fallen on hard times. Simkins' recollection of this story is indicative the importance her family placed on fearlessness and helping others, two characteristics she emphasizes throughout the interview.