Black Genealogy: Finding family in Audubon's happy land
As America celebrates July 4, we must acknowledge the painful history tied to this national holiday. The freedom declared on July 4, 1776, from the British was not granted to all Americans; Black people remained enslaved on plantations and small farms. After years of research, it was time for me to confront my fears of visiting the plantation where my ancestors had been enslaved. Before I even learned the name of this plantation, I had already toured three others, but none were connected to my family. It feels different when you are related to people who were enslaved.