A Family Tree With Roots Deep In Slavery

Originally published on NPR’s Code Switch in November 2018, Nabil Ayers’ story about discovering his family history, his connections to slavery, and developing a relationship with a linked descendant is only the beginning. Stay tuned for his upcoming memoir due to be released in June of this year.

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“This story played out in the spring and summer of 2018. It happened so fast – I found my family tree, discovered my enslaved ancestors, and connected with a living descendent of the slaveholder. Later, sometime in 2019, I attended a Brooklyn screening of the film Traces of the Trade. During the Q&A portion, I learned about Coming to the Table and met some members for the first time. A few weeks later I attended my first CTTT meeting in person at the Brooklyn Public Library, where I learned that others had stories like mine. Now, three years later, my story continues to unfold, and I’m very excited to put it out in the world when my memoir is published in June 2022. I’ve made so many familial connections since publishing this piece—some have been as a direct result of publishing this piece. It’s comforting, reassuring, and also difficult to know that talking and writing about the past can lead to a more meaningful and connected present.”

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         — Nabil Ayers / November 2021

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Well hello there Nabil!

“I welcome your letter.

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“So in the little bit of information you shared with me, I am intrigued.

“I have worked for a number of years, 26 in fact, on my genealogy. It has been a passion and at times an obsession.”

In her initial email to me, Karen surprised me with her excitement and candor — neither of which I was expecting from the woman whom I had gently accused of being the descendant of the man who owned my ancestors.

“Some of my Ayers ancestors were slave owners. I am aware of this, but know that at least some were included as family and are buried with my ancestors. I hope that was the case always.”

After two email exchanges with Karen, I had created a mental image of her. She was older, but not old, possibly in her 60s, with short, cropped, graying brown hair. I imagined her seated at a kitchen table as she typed, in a modest, cozy home somewhere in the South:

“Yes I’m certain we are not blood-related, but it’s evident of Ayers connection one way or another.

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“I just looked you up on Facebook and found you! You have olive-like complexion and look part white. I don’t mean anything negative. Just my observation.

Continue reading Nabil’s piece on NPR’s Code Switch here.

 

Author: Nabil Ayers is a Brooklyn based writer and U.S. head of the record label 4AD. You can find him on Twitter @nabilayers.