Have you wondered what it would be like to discover a shared historical or genetic connection with another person defined by slavery? Or, while researching your ancestry, discover a link to generations of enslavers, men and women enslaved…or both? How would you grapple with this discovery? Would you reach out to this newly found “cousin”? How would you begin?
On September 15, 2024 at CTTT’s Linked Descendants meeting, three pairs of descendants linked through slavery shared their stories of finding one another, building trust, empathy, and growing their relationships.
Betty Kilby Baldwin and Phoebe Kilby, Leroy Dawson and Allison Thomas, and Pam Smith and Ann Neel spoke movingly about how they have stayed connected over time given the painful, often cruel and brutal, legacy that is slavery. It’s not a linear journey, as you will see in the video, with ups and downs, “oops” and “ouches”. Creative communication through poetry, frank and honest emails, and collaborative projects all contributed to coming together and staying together – for 16 years, 2 years, and 30 years.
Click here to watch the three pairs of speakers: https://youtu.be/ZdNIDd2cg3U
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