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The Movie, "Lincoln", and Elizabeth Keckley

If you've seen the Steven Spielberg movie, Lincoln, you might have noticed veteran actor Gloria Reuben in the role of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, who was a constant companion of the First Lady, Mary Todd Lincoln. If you know your history, you know that Ms. Keckley  was an accomplished dressmaker, entrepreneur, activist, and author. I first became aware of her story in 2001 while working with the African American Cutural Complex, The NC Museum of History, and the Thomas Day Education Project , all in  North Carolina.

Elizabeth Keckley was born into slavery in Dinwiddie County, Virginia in 1818. As with most slaves she was treated with the brutality and sexual abuse that

A Freed Black Man Writes a Letter to His Old master

Enslaved Africans made numerous attempts to escape bondage. In many instances the newly freed recorded their experiences as both enslaved, and free. The record of their ordeal is documented in books, oral history, slave narratives, and family recollections.

The new, free life offered an income, better health and living conditions, and primarily, safety for the families. Safety for their wives and children, but, particularly their female offspring. These feelings are expressed by former slave,

Become An Historic Reenactor

Having worked as a volunteer on Black history in North Carolina for fifteen years, I found the door of opportunities wide open. Of the more significant of those was the chance to portray 1800's historic figures such as, furniture designer Thomas Day and, poet & author George Moses Horton. Also, I produced a short film documenting an important Civil War moment in time(see post on Princeville, NC).

Reeactors portray US Colored Troops, clergy, farmers and other average folks going about their lives at the end of the Civil War. It's fun and educational, and there are national and local reenactment groups in many places for you to connect with. Usually, no experience is necessary.

Unfortunately, since the American education system has never allowed the struggles or accomplishments of Blacks to be taught in the public schools, we must teach ourselves. As poet Maya Angelou has penned so eloquently, "History, despite its wrenching pain, can- not be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again".

However, finding people to reenact has been difficult. Some people are

Black Family Reunions: An Opportunity to Exchange Stories and Ideas

The family reunion offers a great opportunity to exchange stories and connect the dots of Black history to your family tree. Some, however, may not be comfortable with topics such as slavery itself, the Jim Crow era, and others sensitive areas. You may be the only one in your family who cares about your ancestors' past, but don't let that stop you.

Our ancestors worked hard, fought for freedom, and even rebelled against their captors, but their stories are not taught in American schools. We should take it upon ourselves to tell our own story, rather than accept the story others choose to tell about us.

Your search may not be in this order. But, the following may help.

Begin Your Search with Family and Local History

Invaluable sources for uncovering Black History can be your own family's stories, local folklore, state and local libraries, and state archives.

When I visited the North Carolina State Archives I was surprised at how much of our history had been preserved. The person who assisted me knew exactly where the information on my great grand father, Luke Grady, was located. Among other things, there were copies of of his voting record in the NC State Assembly, and even a class photo of all the newly elected assemblymen elected that year of 1885.

So, the information is out there. There is no excuse for anyone to

Luke Grady: "Quite Acceptable to his people"

Shortly after relocating to North Carolina, my Aunt Margaret (Grady-Green) gave me all the impetus I needed to begin my search about my great grandfather, Luke Grady(1854-1932). Luke was ten years old when slavery was abolished, and was elected to the North Carolina State Assembly in 1885. There were many sources from which I drew information about Luke, but I was surprised to find his biography from an unlikely source.

Marvin Brown, a white North Carolina senior & architectural historian, authored the book, Luke Grady of New Hanover County, North Carolina "quite acceptable to his people" in 2000. Mr. Brown became familiar with