My family (Carter) came to the colony of Virginia around 1650. There were 5 Carter's who came -- not all of them related. Many of them grew tobacco on large plantations which used slave labor. Our descendants had a few domestic slaves, as was all too common, sadly.
Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, much of my school experience was with 60% white and 40% black students...with only a handful of black teachers. I still remember Mr. Poole, who was a student teacher during 10th grade. He was awesome...but the experience I will never forget is the first day roll call. There was almost always another Carter in my class, but they were always black. So the teacher would call the first name, and then see there was another Carter...and before looking up, would ask: "...oh, are you related?"... only to see the obvious. It was always a difficult moment. Lord have mercy...😔
I am sorry the radicals has stolen the truth of the word "woke" -- it's so fundamental to the black experience of always having to be aware of the ever present danger in their surroundings. That constant sentry mode is one thread of the epigenetic transmission of the trauma of slavery... they've been robbed of a sense of safety that many take for granted.
It is telling that I didn't have the same experience with my last name--because I so rarely had Black students in my schools. Hispanic and Asian yes, but totally different scenarios there. Yes, so much trauma. Having a bi-racial grandson has sadly helped me understand the fear that makes caution necessary.
My niece who is still living with me while we sort through their trauma has biracial sons, black and Hispanic, so we have lots of context. Her sisters also, one black and one Hispanic, so all 7 of my brother's grandchildren are biracial...and they live in Texas, which is a totally different culture from Washington. 👀
This is actually very much what America is--a melting pot. Sad that it is not embraced. My family gathering on my birthday was a beautiful conglomeration! :-)
My family (Carter) came to the colony of Virginia around 1650. There were 5 Carter's who came -- not all of them related. Many of them grew tobacco on large plantations which used slave labor. Our descendants had a few domestic slaves, as was all too common, sadly.
Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, much of my school experience was with 60% white and 40% black students...with only a handful of black teachers. I still remember Mr. Poole, who was a student teacher during 10th grade. He was awesome...but the experience I will never forget is the first day roll call. There was almost always another Carter in my class, but they were always black. So the teacher would call the first name, and then see there was another Carter...and before looking up, would ask: "...oh, are you related?"... only to see the obvious. It was always a difficult moment. Lord have mercy...😔
I am sorry the radicals has stolen the truth of the word "woke" -- it's so fundamental to the black experience of always having to be aware of the ever present danger in their surroundings. That constant sentry mode is one thread of the epigenetic transmission of the trauma of slavery... they've been robbed of a sense of safety that many take for granted.
Lord have mercy 🙏 😞🙏
So. Much. Trauma... everywhere 😭
It is telling that I didn't have the same experience with my last name--because I so rarely had Black students in my schools. Hispanic and Asian yes, but totally different scenarios there. Yes, so much trauma. Having a bi-racial grandson has sadly helped me understand the fear that makes caution necessary.
My niece who is still living with me while we sort through their trauma has biracial sons, black and Hispanic, so we have lots of context. Her sisters also, one black and one Hispanic, so all 7 of my brother's grandchildren are biracial...and they live in Texas, which is a totally different culture from Washington. 👀
This is actually very much what America is--a melting pot. Sad that it is not embraced. My family gathering on my birthday was a beautiful conglomeration! :-)