Looking at Resilience

2019 marks the commemoration of 400^th Anniversary of the African American Story in the United States.  The history includes the “forced migration” of Africans into North America.  Gloria Brown-Marshall, Associate professor at John J College, so eloquently described on cable network; what happen 400 years ago, that is, the separation of families, is the discussion today.

Families continue to be separated the Border.  When we look back at the African’s journey, we have to acknowledge the atrocities, slavery, violence, victimization and discouragement.  However, I see perseverance and resilience.   A people that felt there was a need to inspire and achieve some measure of sanity outside of the madness that was going on in their surrounds.

In commemoration of the 400^th Anniversary of the African American story in the United States and Black History month, I realize that history makers can be found in our relatives also.  Therefore, I decided to shake my tribal tree and catch those history makers and reclaim them for the purpose of inspiration.  I hope that this will inspire us to do our best regardless of the odds that are against us.

History Maker

1798 – Nancy born in Africa.  At approximately 12-14 years old, most likely walked through the “door of no return” from West Africa; survived the transatlantic slave trade, shipped and stopped in the Danish West Indies; (now USVI) sold to a Danish Captain Thomas Petersen.  Nancy received freedom in 1848 when the slaves were emancipated in the Danish West Indies.  (St. Croix Census, 1841)