On Saturday Jeff and I attended an incredible workshop at our church, based on the documentary "Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North." The film tells the story of a prominent New England family that is discovered to have been the largest slave trading organization in the country. It shows 10 relatives from the family (from all over the country; some first cousins, some 3rd or 4th) taking a 3-week journey that follows the route their ancestors took to trade the slaves: from Rhode Island, to Ghana, to Cuba, back to Rhode Island. We watched the film and then had a very intense discussion facilitated by one of the women from the family who was in the film.
It was such an opportunity to be open, ask the tough questions, give the hard answers. There were about 20 blacks and 20 whites, and we talked about everything from white privilege, reparations, institutionalized racism, etc. With trepidation I expressed my fears about raising Theo, and received so much sincere support I cried. I know that keeping my eyes, ears and heart open is the most important thing I can do for my son, and I know that many people love and support us. I feel so lucky.
For more information: http://www.tracesofthetrade.org/
It always amazes me how awesome members of the black community are to us. They are the least likely to judge us and the most likely to help.
Posted by: harrietglynn | March 13, 2011 at 08:17 PM