![]() BlogAt the Crossroads of Liberty and CommercePosted May 30th, 2011 by Thomas Norman DeWolf
We’ve also examined “colored” records (marriages, etc) that were kept separate from those of white people — much as everything else was kept separate; at least on the surface. The effort to maintain the appearance of separation in records, cemeteries, accommodations, and so on, did not prevent co-mingling when it came to making babies (a difficult subject that I’m certain we’ll deal with more fully in the future). Sharon, as with the vast majority of black people whose families date back to the days of slavery in the United States, is descended from both black and white people. Wherever we go on this journey, I’m struck by the hypocrisy, cognitive dissonance, and virtual insanity that resided in the minds of white people that embraced, supported, and benefited from, the system of slavery. I first read official slave records in a town named Liberty. Seriously? Liberty? Our nation’s founding documents proclaim that all men are created equal. Of course that was a lie. The men who engaged in the enslavement of others were focused on personal gain, not liberty.
A quarter mile past the crossroad, I stopped the car, turned around, and returned to gaze at the most ironic signpost I believe I’ve ever come across. Robert Johnson made no deal with the devil at the crossroads near Liberty. White men did. I can’t stop thinking about the bullet holes in the stop sign. |
Blog FunctionsCategories
Awards
Book Tour Books British Empire Children Civil War Eastern Mennonite University Endorsements Gavin genealogy Genealogy Grandchildren Harlem Book Fair Healing Movies Oklahoma history Olympics Peacebuilding Phillis Wheatley Book Award politics Post Racial Society Publicity Queen Elizabeth Race Race Relations Racism Reader Comments reconciliation Reviews Road Trip Slavery Summer Peacebuilding Institute The South Trauma Tulsa race riot Uncategorized World affairs Writing Most recent posts
Standing in Ferguson where Michael Brown died
Pull Back the Covers Working with Corporate America on Issues of Race Give Gather at the Table for the Holidays, SAVE $$$ & Support a Great Cause! Gather at the Table authors recite Gettysburg Address for PBS site Gather at the Table Paperback coming THIS WEEK! From a Reader: thoughts on Gather at the Table GREAT deal on the last of the Gather at the Table hardcovers from Beacon Press Gather at the Table called “brave and compelling” in new YES! Magazine review Gather at the Table is #1 Most recent comments |