Thanks for sharing, Charlie. Complicated family histories can shed light and shine wisdom on our own complicated times. It seems the work of renewal and reconciliation is never done, and we need lessons from our past. Thank you!
I must have been falling asleep in American History when these lessons were taught. Or, perhaps, they were never included? Thanks, Charlie, for chronicling your family history. Illuminating to say the least …
Yes, I remember that. The whole issue of skin color as authenticity of ancestry is one among many issues you have to be prepared to deal with if you talk about this history in public. And if your skin is so obviously light as mine is, it can cause people to doubt your testimony. Genetics does not lie though. And I make no claim to living as a Black person in America. I haven't. But my ancestors on my father's side of the family have. Thanks for commenting! Stay out of the heat and close to a pool!
Thank you for this glimpse into the many stories held by ancestry. It’s so fascinating. May love and freedom in the name of Jesus continue to defeat slavery throughout the world.
Wow! You've have really done your research! Fascinating to hear! And yes, let's celebrate together and remember all of our African American brothers and Sisters!
Good shorthand version of the story. The devil’s in the details, though. It’s such a fascinating story, too. I’ve never understood why Hollywood never picked up on it. My sisters and I observe Juneteenth, and maybe one or two others, but sadly, most of our cousins identify more with the oppressor than with the oppressed. I used to be proud of being a Redbone.
I’m more White than dark, but I was raised by my Redbone grandmother who was born in 1888, so in many respects, I am closer to the roots of the tree. I liked and identified with those Redbones from the late 19th century. We had a shared identity. I was one of them. Until I was six, my Redbone name was Sonny, Aunt Minnie’s grandson, you know, Ruth’s boy, the one whose daddy got kilt. At least that’s how I was introduced to my dozens of cousins.
I’ve moved on and have a new tribal identity, kinda sorta like James and Keziah did when they left South Carolina for Texas, but I remember when one simply was a Redbone living an uncomplicated life in southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas.
Thanks for sharing, Charlie. Complicated family histories can shed light and shine wisdom on our own complicated times. It seems the work of renewal and reconciliation is never done, and we need lessons from our past. Thank you!
Yes & Amen!
Such a hidden and important piece of history - thank you for walking the path to share it!
Thank you friend for your help on the journey!
Thank you for living as a bridge by sharing your heritage and its beautiful history 🫶🏼 bless you Charlie!
Fascinating. I love this boliday and see it through tbe lens of emancipation...physical, social, and spiritual.
I must have been falling asleep in American History when these lessons were taught. Or, perhaps, they were never included? Thanks, Charlie, for chronicling your family history. Illuminating to say the least …
Never included is most likely. At least we did not have this history in Nor California public school.
Wow, such thorough research, Charlie. It’s fascinating. I’ve already told you that due to slavery, I’m related to Charles Mingus. It amazes me.
And btw, Chuck. You were/are about one of the whitest kids around! Genetics. Go figure.
Yes, I remember that. The whole issue of skin color as authenticity of ancestry is one among many issues you have to be prepared to deal with if you talk about this history in public. And if your skin is so obviously light as mine is, it can cause people to doubt your testimony. Genetics does not lie though. And I make no claim to living as a Black person in America. I haven't. But my ancestors on my father's side of the family have. Thanks for commenting! Stay out of the heat and close to a pool!
What a fascinating and, yes, complicated family history. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this glimpse into the many stories held by ancestry. It’s so fascinating. May love and freedom in the name of Jesus continue to defeat slavery throughout the world.
Wow! You've have really done your research! Fascinating to hear! And yes, let's celebrate together and remember all of our African American brothers and Sisters!
Especially, “a full and irreversible freedom for all, what Jesus called the kingdom come”
Yes!
Thanks for your post and happy Juneteenth! https://deargrownwomen.substack.com/p/juneteenth-and-the-luxury-of-doing?r=4h7ehw
Good shorthand version of the story. The devil’s in the details, though. It’s such a fascinating story, too. I’ve never understood why Hollywood never picked up on it. My sisters and I observe Juneteenth, and maybe one or two others, but sadly, most of our cousins identify more with the oppressor than with the oppressed. I used to be proud of being a Redbone.
I’m more White than dark, but I was raised by my Redbone grandmother who was born in 1888, so in many respects, I am closer to the roots of the tree. I liked and identified with those Redbones from the late 19th century. We had a shared identity. I was one of them. Until I was six, my Redbone name was Sonny, Aunt Minnie’s grandson, you know, Ruth’s boy, the one whose daddy got kilt. At least that’s how I was introduced to my dozens of cousins.
I’ve moved on and have a new tribal identity, kinda sorta like James and Keziah did when they left South Carolina for Texas, but I remember when one simply was a Redbone living an uncomplicated life in southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas.
Good to hear from you Raymond! Wishing you well cousin.