samedi 23 décembre 2017

By Roger Wagner


While not as volatile as during other times in history, the current economical, racial and social climate is currently in great chaos. With the onset of new racial inequality, the recent rise of White Supremacists and power structures which have done little to help ease the situation, it is important to look back on history. In one case, a good place to learn about the atrocities of the past with regards to race is through a slavery biography.

One biography, that of the Reverend Charles Thompson which was published in 1875 was written from the perspective of being a child during the slave trade. In this publication, the author refers to the time being one of great difficulty and despair. In fact, the book details all aspects of being a child slave during that time. As such, this biography is often considered as close as one can get to having been a witness to the atrocities of the time.

Born in Atala County, Mississippi, Charles relates a number of experiences which occurred after his owner Mr. Kirkwood passed away when the boy was only 9 years old. As an owner of multiple plantations, it was feared by other plantation owners that the slaves would escape or rebel. As such, the boy reports that the slaves were separated from families and sold on the open market.

After the mother of the boy died at age 37, an uncle hid from slave owners in order to remain with a wife. In fact, Ben, the uncle, evaded the blood hounds and slave owners. While this is the case, Ben ultimately surrendered when the man was informed that the couple could remain together and work on a different plantation. At which time, Charles describes becoming an adult, then being hired out to other owners while attempting to teach Christianity to other slaves.

The stories of the uncle and the author are closely shadowed in a film called Django Unchained, and a mini-series which first aired in the 1970s called Roots, by historian and filmmaker Alex Hailey. Both of these stories portray slavery in a truer light than others. As such, while difficult to watch, it is an important story that needs to be told again and again throughout history.

When it comes to this period in history, it is a true and very sad tale of torture, violence, rape, ownership and abuse on a regular basis. In almost all cases, slaves were considered personal property such as that of a house or car which could be bought and sold as desired. In some cases, entire families were sold off to plantation owners and slave masters.

Once owned by a Master or Slave owner, the individuals were required to perform chores and work without pay. In most cases, slaves lived in quarters which were less than acceptable. Whereas, most had to do extra chores for room and board as required by owners.

It is sad to think that many individuals living today, Black, White or otherwise may have been the descendants of slaves whom were raped and tortured by slave owners and masters. While this is the case, many are learning of these connections through current DNA testing. In many cases, the individuals and families can handle the news while it can tear others apart.




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