Finding your roots: what I found at the plantation
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- #familyhistory #dnafamilysecrets #findingyourroots #ancestrydna #dnatest #louisiana #nativeamerican #creole #ancestry #familyhistory #genealogy #emancipation #1619project
The documentary- series "Finding Lola" is done, but the family history journey has just started in my family history! In this video I finally make it to the location of a former plantation where one of my great grandfathers, Noel Coindet, was enslaved and built the bricks to build the now-destroyed house. His emancipation and his daughter's changed our lives.But when I finally saw the actual property location, I was devestated.
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Come join me on a new docu-series that explores identity, racial tensions in the South during the 20th century, and the unique experiences of those who historically called Louisiana home. My name is Danielle Romero, and all my life, I have romanticized Louisiana. Growing up in New York, it represented a place where I could step back the sepia-toned life of my great grandmother, Lola Perot, who died before I was born. Now, it was time to go back to Louisiana--although I had no idea what the truth would be or what questions to ask---who was Lola really? Who were we? Amazon links are affiliate links. If buy something through these links, we may earn affiliate commission. Thank you for supporting this project!
They say it's not the destination, but the journey. Your journey has led you there and you should be proud for that.
So much of African American history is lost, so I think it’s great you’re going on this journey. I don’t think it was a fruitless endeavor. Whenever you can identify a person, or a name or a place that’s progress. I think this brings honor to a man that would have been forgotten and lost to us forever. This feels important.
Deb, thank you. What a beautiful comment to read
So true!!!
You look like Lola Perot, genes are strong.... Very strong! Love love your reporting! Much love to you from a French-Canadian of African parents. Keep up in this direction. Many thaks!
Thank you for being here with me!
It is weird he did not want you walking on the land. Where I grew up my parents always allowed a family to pass over our land to an ancestral home for their family of no relation to us.
It was disappointing but it’s okay
How is it weird. He’s racist
Who has the energy to be so racist? I think that man needs to work harder
It could have been about safety and insurance. The only time I've been denied was safety issues.
@@earlem9771You are a bigot.
I hope you get to visit that land that your ancestor purchased after his freedom. THAT was his home. This other land was the site of his bondage. Perhaps it was not meant for you to be connected with the site of his suffering. You can only image the horrors that happened there. And the new owner doesn’t have a spirit that’s aligned with your journey. So, chin up. Your ancestors are with you, they know what they are doing in and through you and they are guiding this process. You honor them with all of your effort and passion for this project. Well done!
Yes! Who knows Danielle may actually get to feel the sense of closeness and connection she’s looking for visiting the place her ancestors felt was their actual home.
Karen, I feel the same way now. I am trying to locate that property, because in the end...my family became free at that point and the story continued on away from that plantation property. So Im going to keep walking that way, too. Thankful for you!
@@nytn Are you having trouble locating it? The location is in the deed/patent. It should be very easy to locate. Let me know if I can help.
@@OriceJenkins Thank you! I am terrible with maps. The information I have on the property comes from the land grant: "
the south east quarter of the northeast quarter of section 17 in township 11 of range 7 in the District of Lands subject to sale in Natchitoches, Louisiana containing 39 acres and 96 hundredths of an acre"
@@nytn perfect, that's all I need. I will look it up now and email you some maps and an address.
Every one of your videos speaks to me. Every time I go back to where I was raised so close to where my ggm lived and not being able to go and see the house or property eats at my heart. I know she isnt there. She died many years before I was born but here I am totally attached to her. I understand your feelings but there must be no regrets or else our journey will stall and not move forward like Lola and Sylvia would have wanted. Your doing an amazing job! Sending hugs :)
Paula, we are on such a similar family journey. I know exactly what you mean, I feel totally attached to Lola, and it is bittersweet.
@@nytn be grateful and cherish the photos that remain. I have photos of my ancestors through my mother‘s family, and we have some New Orleans routes through my maternal grandfather, and I am yet to uncover those. The ancestors will always be with us as they run through our blood.
😂
Your Ancestors ARE alive, young lady. You ARE your ancestors. Don’t you understand that?
This really is the best comment I have read. Let me re-phrase that. The most meaningful comment.
Absolutely beautiful statement!
Well, thank goodness you didnt tell me this in person because I would have broken down crying on the spot. Thank you so much.
Yes.
BULLSHIT, ANCESTORS ARE PAST DEAD NOT PRESENT,SHE LIVES ON IN THE PRESENT LIFE AS A PART OF THOSE WHO HAVE GONE.
I have never been this close to a genealogy project and never thought about how much raw emotions can be stirred up by the revelations. Since this experience at the plantation was less than positive it was nice to hear what you said at the end about your grandfather moving on and that you too can move on - that is easy to say, but will take time to actually do.
Thank you for the sharing the high points and low points of this journey, Danielle. Thank you, Daniel, for being that ever-present support that your wife needs while she continues on this sometimes difficult journey. ❤❤
Thank you for being here with me on it! Feels better to know it’s a bit of a community experience. Daniel made all of this possible! He encouraged me to finally go to Louisiana 2 years ago. Now I feel ready to let go a little bit of this part of the story and move on down the road so to speak:)
@@nytnmy mom was able to get to the plantation our ancestors were enslaved on near Berwick, La, where the town still bears the masters family name, before a huge estate auction. The curator was kind enough to let her have an ancient hot iron that dated back to those time. An old all steel iron with a wood handle that you would heat up on a flame. I get goosebumps just touching it. I know how you feel here. It's incredible what they endured. I have a deep sense of humility and pride in their resilience.
You need to contact my cousin Suzzane Lavallais Boykins....she wrote a book about that area
is she on facebook? I am: facebook.com/findinglolafilm/
In our family, we were able to trace our roots via a line of free black people back to 2 years after the American Revolution. (We also had enslaved blacks married in and on multiple other lines). We went back to the place our free black ancestors actually owned land in KY and did a drive by there. From the road we were able to see green grass, rolling hills, and a little creek cutting through the property. It was a peaceful feeling to think they were able to live and work and pursue dreams there. Don't be too disheartened by not being able to walk the land where your ancestors were enslaved. Keep pushing until you follow their road/ their children's road to freedom. There you may find that peaceful, reverent feeling you were seeking. We must never forget the unpleasant parts of history but we can celebrate our ancestor's victories and thereby honor their struggles.
AJ, thank you for sharing your experience, too! I do agree that
focusing on the enslaved part of the story is missing the beautiful part that came down the road. How you described that property is exactly how I’d like to end this journey, feeling of peace and a sense of agency.
Y,our ancestors appreciate your appreciation for them. Your feelings are mixed, which are understandable. Your visit, voice channel, is providing the history. The melancholy might be partly to the visual neglect but the spirits communicating the pain and suffering. Everything exists all at once. What an amazing experience! Thank you for sharing!
I knew my ancestors came from Spain to Puerto Rico and then mainland US. I visited Spain which really got me into genealogy. I had spent an amazing day in a town Toledo, Spain. I didn’t want to leave. 2 years later diving deeper into genealogy, I found documentation in my 3x great grandfather death record that he was from Toledo Spain. There’s that inner soul pull that you just feel! You carry your ancestors within you ❤
I know the feeling exactly! I love your journey, the connection is in our DNA. It's really strange, I would not have believed it unless I had experienced it as well!
The juxtaposition of the two plantations, one treasured and one destroyed is evidence of the two ways people treat their own history. One is where knowledge of historic wrongs is processed and the shame is acknowledged and the path of the people changes for the better. The other is where shame and guilt is felt but still denied; left unprocessed so nothing is allowed to grow and develop. The two properties are now more about those living than those passed on. The changes to the land are tangible. One for the better and one is left to wither and to fester the evil that happened there. Your feelings reflect the energies left there. They are appropriate. I feel sad the owners of the withering property feel so much unrecognized shame that they can not do better. Happy that you are not like them Bless you.
Robert, this was so insightful and brought a lot of healing to my heart. It also helped me see that I am not beholden to how others treat the past, but can decide what my path will be for the future.
Though I spent every Summer in Natchitoches with my grandmother. I never thought to try and find the plantation any of my family lived on. 😢. I have just started my genealogy search. This was so helpful for me to know up front if I find it. Walking the land may not be possible. 😢 🙏🏿 Thank for openly sharing your story.
I love that you have that connection to Natchitoches! The beginning of the genealogy journey is amazing. So many possibilities. So many disappointments. But in either case, it is telling hidden stories. Keep me posted on your journey
Aww thank you. I will appreciate it. That us what drew me to your channel was the Natchitoches connection. Most people have no Idea where it is. Praying for you as you continue your journey . 😊
I just happened upon this video and was so upset, upset bc I wasn’t there. I am from Natchitoches. I grew up there and as a teen, I worked with the Historical Auxillary’s junior group, to give tours on the plantations and other points of interest. History is so important to Natchitoches. I am sure there are many historians there who would’ve loved to assist you in this leg of your journey. They would likely know the landowner to ask for the permission on your behalf. I no longer live there, but i am so sorry thé visit didn’t go as hoped. You are a lovely lady and I applaud your pursuit of your roots. I subscribed and am excited to watch your other videos.
This was so nice to read, thank you.☺😌
Everthough this country is so young I feel frustrated at times because there are thousands of unsolved mysteries on both sides of my family and nobody can agree on the exact story.
No matter what th story may be, it would not change who you are. You are yourself.
I hear you !! I “hit the wall” on my ancestors journey from Nigeria to Louisiana. My family history is very complicated and lots of secrets. Anyone who would know more have passed on. One thing is certain, DNA doesn’t lie so I have that.
Good for you for trying. I think your ancestors knew you were there. Regardless, that is a sacred space for you and your family. You said, "No one will know what this land once was." Maybe that's the owner's point. Consistently and fervently across the South, descendants of enslavers - Sons and Daughters of the Confederacy and others for example - have attempted to rewrite history. Look at all of their statues commemorating soldiers who fought to maintain the institution of slavery. Their descendants will tell you that the Civil War had nothing to do with slavery. Really?!!! Look at textbooks in schools today in which these descendants tell little children that the slaves were happy. Really?!!! Did anyone care to poll the enslaved about that? I know you are disappointed, but I don't think you should dwell on your disappointment. Rather, let it motivate you. And please don't be daunted by it. Continue your search. Maybe your search is about to take a different turn. If you watched the Netflix documentary, Descendant: The Untold Story of an Illegal Slave Ship and the Legacy It Left Behind, then you know what I am talking about. Yes, you are doing this for yourself and your connection to your hidden and forgotten family; but I hope you are also doing it for all of us who are descendants of enslaved people. This has nothing to do with you "missing the boat". What's important and devastating for us was the boat that brought our ancestors over here in the first place. That is what it all comes down to. Honoring our ancestors and what happened to them as well as making sure their history is told is what it all comes down to. Sometimes we have to find other ways to bring that history to the forefront. And the trip you took - as fruitless as you might think it was - could be one of the steps you have to take to bring that to fruition. You had to see with your own eyes how their lives and trauma have been so successfully erased. You had to see the poverty left in the wake of what the enslavers did to our people. Rest assured, my friend, you still have plenty of time to build on all that you have learned so far. Thank you for bringing us along on this journey. You inspire me.
I really thank you for taking the time to write this out for me. Seeing what i saw (or the lack of seeing anything...) it deeply disturbed me. It was not the trip I wanted it to be, but I think it was the trip that needed to happen. Made me more determined to keep telling these hidden stories, even if it sometimes feels like my voice will never be loud enough to change things. Thank you for being with me on this path, whatever comes next!
I'm sorry that you got that answer. I say that there are no "shoulds"when it comes to feelings. Wishing you the best on this continued journey.
thank you
Wonderful video, as always. I so enjoyed - it is sad you couldn't physically touch the earth your ancestors once walked. Question ❓ do know where the 70 acres are? That would be so interesting to find that land now. I can't understand why the current owner would object to you walking the property, did he offer any explanation for that?
Linda, he did not, but I did not press him for one either. After a bit of internal back and forth, I decided that I would rather accept it graciously and let it play out. I am still trying to find the 70 acres, I have the verbal coordinates (kind of), but they are written in a way that is not making it super obvious!
Thank you again for sharing your journey! I truly believe what you’re doing is amazing, pointing out how we are all connected and embracing our similarities and not our differences. More people in the world approach life like you and we could start a lot of healing on this planet we all share!
I hope we can start finding more in common!
Hello!!
I was just watching the video of your visit to Melrose Plantation. I am a descendant of Marie Therese CoinCoin, too!! Congratulations on your amazing quest to find your roots!! God Bless you Cousin!!
Please be careful traveling in those parts of America. Sundown towns are still very much apart of the nations historical fabric. Thanks for sharing you journey.
Never heard of it in present day Louisiana but have in other states like Arkansas. Yes. Louisiana has a very large black population so It wouldn’t happen down here .
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Just found your channel and love it. Now subscribed and will continue to fully watch your videos. Thanks for the share. Cheers!
Im so glad you are here for the journey!
@@nytn, thanks and wishing you all the best. Question: where is your Romero last name from?
It is Mexican (my married name) BUT my moms side had Romeros in our tree too (Mexican also LOL).
@@nytn, ok! The reason I asked is because it is a Spaniard last name, but many of them went to Cuba therefore, you could have Cuban ancestry as well as me because that last name is also in my family but we are Dominicans for many generations. It would be interesting to know if it is the same in your husband’s and Mom’s case. Thanks for responding. BTW, to make it more interesting, some of my earlier generations (many, many years ago) settled in the USA in states before they were owned by the USA. Now let’s remember that when that happened those Mexicans had a choice to either stayed and automatically become US Citizens or go to Mexico. Of course many, decided to go to Mexico, but many did stayed in the USA with American Citizenships.
Even watching this with the sound off, I feel the emotion. Also, I don't know how anyone ever thought you guys were Italian and Irish. I can see the Black heritage in you so clearly, and like others have said, you resemble Lola so much!
Jessica, I never could see it!🙃
Yes... very emotional. I agree! A striking resemblance to Lola. No 💯 Caucasian at all. Both Lola and Danielle have multi- culture phenotypes. That's why Lola got questioned. I am sure Danielle may have had whispers about her ethnicity behind her back. Allot of mixed, ambiguous looking people do. Eyes see what they want to see when you want to blend in with the family, culture, and environment you were raised. Blend and adapt. It's seems generational. I am happy to watch this journey. Discovery is a beautiful thing.
I have been told a lot of weird things by people growing up and asked lots of questions that I would write off, but now, I can see that others did not look at me how I was taught to see myself. Glad you are here on the journey, it has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life!
@@nytn. Thank you for sharing this wonderful, intriguing, and compelling journey! I see a lovely young lady, just the way you are! ♥️ This is a very interesting, inspiring, and sentimental journey. I appreciate you openly sharing. I am watching and cheering for you as you discover your family history since much was hidden. May you find all that you seek. Be happy and blessed! 💝
@@Kim63146 made my day, thank you!
I think that for people who have sensitivity to their ancestors they have to remember that living the best life in the present while preserving the memory of their struggles is the best way to honor them. Our ancestors want us to succeed, to survive and build on their foundation with the coming grandchildren. ❤
My maternal great grandmother’s mother was sold from N. Carolina to MS in an estate sale in 1858. The widow then filed to have her extradited back, but the war broke out.
This is a great video. I hope to visit the lands where my ancestors lived one day. It could be a very emotional experience, I know. Even though it was not what you were expecting, simply being in that area probably brought you some closure for this experience. It's interesting how rural the area still is to this day.
It brought closure, and I am ready to move on a bit from that spot now. It was kind of 🙃 over there
You made the journey. By saying their names you bring connection to your Ancestry and Ancestors all aspects.
I know when I speak my Ancestors names, I feel them and lots of Spiritual Activity happens throughout the home. Especially wind chimes and dream catchers moving without wind current Lol Going forth, keep in mind, it is no accident you are the chosen one, you are The Unspoken Ones to Forgotten Greatest Dreams, not their Nightmares. The Family Circle Of Awareness, The Makings Of You and your Family is back to Acknowledgement and Unbroken. Same here. Passe Blanc for Creoles very common and Mulattoes not of Creole. My Family like others experienced PB are mending the brokenness slowly but surely. Proud Creole/NativeWoman Of Color I am.
Enjoying your Channel very much as I along with my mother continue our Ancestral Journey. Namaste.
Thank you so much for being here with me!
Your ancestors are looking down on you, thanking you for telling the stories you have told so far. Thank you for all the content you provide. At least you can trace back and get knowledge. So many of us can only trace back so far.
I imagine it feels similar to the way I feel, driving past miles and miles of cotton fields when heading to my hometown to visit family. Thank you for sharing this and allowing us to follow along on your journey of discovery.
Thank you for being with me!
You are “Lola 2.0”! Miss. Lola passed her beauty right on down to you.
I’m so sorry the landowner said “no”. You deserve to have that connection. (Maybe do an article in the newspaper, or contact CBS Sunday Morning about doing a segment. Perhaps someone will change his mind?)
Please don’t give up on that dream. “Things don’t happen when we want them to….they happen when they’re supposed to”.
Debbie, thank you! I feel okay about the outcome now, but it was emotional at the time. Life is funny, maybe it will come around... :)
@@nytn,
THAT’S the spirit!!
I admire your work so much! My family was also enslaved on the Shallow Lake, Magnolia, and Cloutier Plantation.
We have to be cousins right?
My other message didn’t go through. But I know that Marie Jeanne in 1810 tried to sue against Alexis Cloutier for revoking her freedom papers and may have something to do with Noel Conde being sold in 1817 to Antoine Coindet. Marie Jeanne was a mulatto women born on the Lecomte Plantation but went to Alexis Cloutier around 1804. More likely was the mother of Noel Conde a quadroon child of either Antoine Coindet or Alexis Cloutier. If Marie Jeanne was a mulatto daughter of Ambroise Lecomte, then I would say yes we are related because my enslaved ancestor Hortense Lecomte was the mulatto daughter of Francoise Coin Coin and Ambroise Lecomte.
Jahrod, that sounds right to me! I sometimes saw Noel’s mother as a “Metoyer” but in reality that was the last name of the White enslaver and as far as I know was not a legal surname
While I’m not exactly sure the exact spot my family was enslaved I’ve been to the area. It wasn’t until last year when I went to the birthplace of my Swedish great-great grandmother that I ever walked where ancestors had been at least up to 500 before. It was a surreal feeling and as a black American it was made me realize how discounted we are to our past.
This was so interesting and I wonder how many other peoples stories are waiting to be told. Thank you for sharing this story and your experience! One day maybe you or your children would be able to purchase this land!
I'm glad you got to at least drive by. I understand that walking on the earth there would've been better. I'd like to know why the owner didn't want to allow you to just walk around a bit. He could've even gone with you if he was afraid you might injure yourself or something. Who knows why people make unreasonable choices that don't seem fair. I went to visit eastern Kentucky for the first time about 4 yrs ago. That's where most of my ancestors came from. I didn't have a specific address to any homes. But we did visit some cemeteries and just drove around. It felt so good to me to just be in the area where my ancestors worked and had kids and raised families and had neighbors and churches etc. I was adopted as an infant & didn't know anything about my bio family until I found them at age 22. Now, decades later, after doing genealogy for many years I was able to see these little towns and farmlands and it all felt so real to me, like it was in my blood. It helped me feel whole. Maybe someday you can go back and a new person will live there and allow you access to the property. You're young. I think there's a good chance this will still happen for you. Don't give up. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Christie, thank you for sharing a bit of your story, it resonated with me! I think sometimes just being where our family was can create a connection. At least for people like us ☺️
The feeling with your feet on the ground, than a drive-by.
I was hoping for that, but I made peace with how it worked out
I'm saddened to hear that the owner didn't allow you onto the property. It may have connected you to your ancestors but not in a good way, and I believe everything happens for a reason. The fact that you could just drive by in a comfortable car and leave it in your rearview mirror is poignant. I'm really looking forward to the video you create after you find the property he owned as a free man.
Karen, wow what an incredible insight. You are so right, leaving it behind is really a gift he gave to me and our family. And our family has come so far.
@@nytn Thank you! And it has. Many of our elders endured harsh lives rife with trauma and hardships that we cannot even fathom. But through their perseverance and strength they began to shift the way that future generations would be able to operate in and see the world. We owe so much to them and their sheer determination - and I believe you'll feel that kind of energy when you set foot on his land. Even if you're just nearby. Draw strength from it. Because it represents the beginning of the rising up (and eventual thriving) of your family. 🙏
@@karenblack2869 glad you are here on the journey with me, I keep thinking "okay, I guess this is the end" but another path opens up :)
@@nytn My sincere pleasure! I've been watching from the beginning, and have read a number of novels on the Cane River area's history. It's both fascinating and disturbing on many levels.
@@karenblack2869 Fascinating and disturbing....what a perfect summary!
The plantation was never a sacred space, especially to our Ancestors. They were enslaved by people who saw them as property. I don't want to see any plantations. You are brave. I can never forget because everyone talks about it in the USA. ( and places like Ghana and Senegal. Your feelings are genuine. We are in the now).
Stephanie, you are right. This was a place to let go of, and I have at this point. But I had to take the long way through!
I sort of understand what you felt. As though the history is annihilated and very nearly wiped out. So your ancestors voice is only there because of what you are doing, but you wish it was far more. Parts of my family in the east are the last generation before that process takes place. The family trees are all very well but they are the dry bare bones and do not speak of anything much. Not for ANY of the people of the past, whatever heritage they were, it is all disappearing so fast.
Do you ever see Lola when you look in the mirror? I think you really look a lot like her.
I found a really odd, or rather previously unknown fact to me, only yesterday. In my other home in South Asia, in the past mixed people were called mestizos by their Portuguese rulers. Exactly as in the Americas. History has really long echoes.
Do not be to disappointed, the things you are doing are every bit as important. In fact maybe more real. Though for me two things were outstanding when I visited the US, one was a visit to a Nativ3 American site, totally returned to nature, unlike everything else I saw, evocative and empty at the same time. The other was the slave lines at Monticello which were so identical to the footprint of the tea worker homes in my own other land. It is hard having to embrace the reality of all of our heritage as mixed peoples. The good, the bad, the courageous, and the bloody awful. You are doing this. With a great deal of honesty.
So much love in this comment, it really filled my heart and soul up! Thank you for being here with me on the journey. You are so appreciated
Genealogy is a long walk through our family lineage. I'm sad you were refused permission. Take heart in the knowledge that the Earth remembers it all, the suffering, and the small joys that could be found.
Everything she said is what I feel when I do my family genealogy.
That’s so wonderful to hear. It’s such an experience
You part of US now, my Sista. I hope you know that. It’s a SOUL THANG, not a Color Thang.
Maybe after we run out of days , we can be reunited with ALL of our ancestors .
I hope so
So Noel couldn't leave that plantation for a long time and now... you can't go back... the irony (is it irony? I need a word) does not escape me. Maybe it is a good decision from a loving God who brought you up out of Egypt so to speak, but delivered through a sourpuss landowner. Ya never know.
Good perspective. I think sometimes we get delivered by means that we would otherwise overlook as a problem. Either way, Im happy now with how it turned out:) Hope you are doing well!
African tradition is to pour libations for our Ancestors and even sit out food. We call the names of the ones we know. They help us and protect us and can answer questions
I found out through a FB friend/distant cousin that I’m descended from a large plantation owner in MS named John Kelly and a slave woman. It’s a humbling, a sad discovery, since I have no knowledge of my biological father. I feel this
Oh, I hope you are able to get the family reconnection you are hoping for and that they will bring some healing and peace to your heart as well
@@nytn I hope so too, but after 12 years in four DNA databases…No luck.
Have you heard of DNA angels?? We used one for a unknown grandparent. They help work with people looking for their biological family. They do it for free!
Thank you. If American's knew the history of Columbus Day they may have kept the Holiday and not renamed it in the early 70's. I'm of Sicilian decent from upstate NY. I was aware of some of the discrimination after finding an old photo of my hometown Oswego. The sign in front of the store read - No dogs or Wops allowed.
I'm ashamed to have lived on this earth for 64 yrs and never knew. No history book ever mentioned it. No teacher ever taught it ...
I respect this as an Moor, African American thx for reaching out to your roots much love Sista
I absolutely loved when you mentioned if it would’ve been kept up it would have been a place to care more about. When you know you grow more interests. Love this.
You've been doing the work cousin, thanks for paving the way
This is a great thing you're doing I hope this can change the way people think ,because they realize they are hating their own people.
Me too
Keep in mind, not ALL plantations were wealthy....this one might have been a complete struggle. Some land owners were merely housebroke...the house might have been destroyed also because the owner might have been disliked by his slaves and the fellow land owners.....don't take nay of it personal.....the land might have been connected to the karma of the previous owner..
I wondered that myself...
You know, you really cannot disconnect the horror of enslavement and the experience of your ancestors. There was nothing romantic about it. It's why your grandmother left and passed. She passed to escape the horror. The things you are doing to research your family history are wonderful, even scholarly but don't forget that it was very very bad to be enslaved and even though the hands of your ancestors may have made those bricks, it wasn't voluntary. I wish you the best on your journey of discovery. And I will keep watching.
Thank you, it's a strange history to research isnt it
@@nytn Not as strange as you think. Race is a construct. It's culture that is important. 🤎🤍🖤♥
By the Civil War, Louisiana had about 1,600 plantations large enough to have at least 50 slaves working on each. These plantations covered more than 40 percent of the land fit for farming.
I had goosebumps watching this, If only you knew how much I related to it. My grandmother was a Darbonne her people came from the Cane River area. I found one of her great grandfather's was Lt.Remy Poissot in the 1700's he was Mary Thereza Coincoin's grandfather that raised her and left her the plantation. I need to make this trip. Amazing
Im so glad you found the channel! Looking forward to hearing more from you :)
Just by your being there shows your ancestors that they are not forgotten.
Your ancestor knows ❤
Our ppl/ancestors survived for us. Bet they'd love u the same as any kin (bc you r blood) and appreciate you acknowledging and loving them as you do. You're doing 😇good by them; nice work!
Another awesome video
I am glad your wise to understand who you are and want to heal mentally, physically, and spiritually. Pray for peace for your ancestors
I feel like I am doing what I was put here for!
Curious. Who is the young person in the thumbnail? We visited one of the main plantations in Chakabay, near Thibodaux, where our 5th great grandfather was raised and wirked on. It's now a sugarcane field. His name is Jack Conrad. A survivor of the Thibodaux massacre if 1887. It's a roller coaster of a story. The life of an enslaved person was short and dangerous full if survival tactics and tragedy. So we did a celebratory ceremony for all the enslaved souls who once were there. Respect.
Hugs, baby girl.
😘
What a jerk he was for not allowing you to walk the ground where your grandfather lived and worked... there would have been no harm in that !
The owner said no, Huh. I’m gonna take the high road and assume his lawyers advised them to say that.
Wrong, obviously you're not from the south
LOL, he replied so fast he didnt ask anyone. Just didnt like the idea of me being on his property
@@historygradstu Lol. You got me. I’m a New Yorker. ☺️. THAT’S not the worst of it. Not ONLY have I lived here in Georgia for almost 30 years, but my wife of 23 years is from a farm in Mount Juliet Tennessee. I have her do ALL the negotiating when it comes to things that she says “It’s a SOUTHERN THING. I wouldn’t understand. “
And I’m a NYer🥰
@@nytn oh yea, I'm quite sure the owner spotted that from a 100 yards....and enjoys his or her privacy
Wow, you are going in deep! Something had been awakened in you :)))
What would it have hurt to at least let you walk on the property. This makes me so sad.
Beautiful
I am sorry that it didn't go well. Hang in there!
I think it was the right outcome in the end!
@@nytn Probably.
The history that you are referring to is Gone With The Wind. For instance, at the time of the Civil War Mississippi was the most wealthy state in the Union. Now it is the poorest state. It is just history now. Embrace who you are and be proud.
We must all realize one drop of BLACK blood does not make one BLACK, and pale skin and an AQUILINE nose does not make one WHITE! How about just being proud to be HUMAN!
Cant we be proud humans who know our roots?
@@nytn Of course! That's my point.
The Sun is putting out tremendous amount of energy only thing that matters now do you have a soul?
I look at what you experienced as protection from your Grandfather & all your ancestors. Perhaps that land was some soil your Ancestors did NOT want you to touch & feel maybe they only wanted you to see it & move on like your Granfather did.
Maybe that space THERE was so traumatic that your Grandfather did not want you to come in contact with his past in THAT way.
Came here to type something similar but well said. You echo my thoughts.
❤❤❤
After spending time thinking on it, I agree because if I was supposed to walk around there, the doors would have opened, but they did not. It felt good to see it and let it go.
@@nytn I’m struggling with something similar now. I grew up mostly knowing my father’s paternal history and pride that my great grandfather fought for the Union during the Civil War. I am from Kentucky which was deeply divided but never seceded. Last year I discovered that my Mom’s grandfather from Virginia was a slaveowner and fought for the Confederacy. One of my cousins lives in California and was completely horrified when she discovered this. I am 70 years old. Cousin has studied our ancestry for decades. New technology is amazing. I believe she even located our ancestor’s property using Google Maps. Of course nothing remains of the plantation and no generational wealth but I think she is curious to just see the location in person. Ironically I do have some African DNA which is not uncommon. If you get a chance look up Melungeon. That’s a whole other story!
God loves you and your whole family
So messed up they wouldn't let you walk the property. My family inherited land and always opens doors for tours. I want to visit plantation from my dad's side. But in Mississippi it's extremely hard. The fact you went there. Your ancestors spirit knew you were home. Maybe at later time owners will let you on property. A letter may help. Just a suggestion. If it were me, I would try again. Your videos bring life into me.
You are so kind, thank you for being here with me while you walk your own family journey ♥️♥️
This is beautiful
Thank you, that made my day
@@nytn you are so welcome
@NYTN not that it matters because I agree with the comment made by Karen Chambers but I couldn’t help be curious whether the current owner of the property has any connection with the slave owner of your ancestor. In any case, your story definitely moves me. ❤❤
Esther, I wondered that as well.
That is sooo messed up. No? Shame on him. 😞 And those officers with their silent intimidation.
😊 though you have a mission to get to this place, maybe your ancestors didnt want you to be there because they didnt want to be there and you know... you've surpassed their dreams❤❤
this gave me chills, so beautiful of you to say
Nothing tells the unbelievable like good old DNA. But I have heard stories about different DNA companies give you different information.
The Florida Republican translation: She visited the plantation where her ancestors were ask to live for generations.
I'm sorry to say, but the whip is still there. You did connect to the past, but it was the whip.
Why couldn't they just let you go walk the land? They must have something to hide. I think the generation of these people still feels sort of the same. Maybe some of them could be related to you as well.
the creole cooking is a misused advertisement slogan, creole French or creole Spanish food would have been very bland, all the spicy food came from native American influences
As the descendant of slaves, I was first a bit “bothered” by you looking for some sacred experience from a slave plantation. The only thing sacred I’ve ever heard AA’s express at a plantation was maybe the realization of the unimaginable suffering and sacrifice endured.
My moms side is from Louisiana and some did pass as “Italians”, some who chose not to pass (like my grandpa) still used their “light & almost yt” privilege to move in between 2 worlds with a sorta don’t ask don’t tell approach, living a double life. My grandma once bragged to me that we were NOT the descendants of ‘field’ slaves. I was speechless and disgusted. My dads family are in fact the descendants of field slaves… including my great-great grandma who my dads mom met as a child in the 1930s. She was born a slave and the only name we have for her is Muddy, which referred to her complexion. And even today there are those who would begrudge BLK ppl of the right to true and honest history…Identity, Color, Race, Privilege, Oppression are always present and historically have been anything but poetic or liberating for so many who deserve it and need it the most.
Thank you for your thoughts. It's not often, but I have encountered people who are bothered by my journey because of the color of my skin.That part I can't help. I also cant help who I come from, which are enslaved african people ( just as yourself). I dont think anyone would be able to accuse me of a dont ask/tell approach. Im publicly connecting myself to ALL of my family story. This part of my family story was almost lost forever, but I found it and I did my best to follow it and save it. I visited the property where my family was enslaved and I stood there, a free woman, with the freedom to tell that story to the world. It was powerful to me and very sacred. This history does not just belong to people of one color. Now am I claiming to be a black person with black experience? Nope. But this is my family story just the same.
@@nytn I think that you misunderstood my comment. I never suggested that you shouldn’t do the project or gather your family history. My point was that even now…so many years later, the privilege of proximity to ytness is still present even in this story telling. I am speaking to the “unspoken” truths that so often remain unspoken in passé blanc narratives. Today America continues to wrestle with if and how it will wreckon with its history of kidnapping, enslaving, breeding and torturing MILLIONS for HUNDREDS of years as we debate mass incarceration, CRT and reparations. How many prefer to listen to this “slave narrative” vs the more common, less romantic stories of all of those who have NEVER been able to escape the burden of blackness in this country. America tends to prefer blackness when it’s been dipped in yt. I also wonder how many more descendants of passé blancs will have a renewed interest in their black history if/when more states follow CA lead in passing Reparations Referendums. (I am not accusing you of this).
Btw- I never suggested that this history ONLY belonged to one group of ppl. I wonder how many of your non-blk viewers would be interested in a story about american chattel slavery and it’s aftermath if it weren’t framed in ytness. Please don’t sanitize it for them…or us. How do you tell a story about the Holocaust without talking about the cruelty of concentrations camps and gas chambers. I’m suggesting you do a disservice to speak of slavery and plantations without the truth of what plantations were for slaves.
1) I dont like "yt" being used to describe me at all.
2) I think you sound very passionate and would do well to start a documentary channel about your family. I would be thrilled to support and watch the way you tell your family stories.
3). " proximity to ytness is still present even in this story telling" I JUST wanted to include this in my reply because I disagreed with it so much, I wanted it preserved.
@@nytn thanks for the reply. I understand you not liking yt being used to describe yourself…I hope you can understand that the way ytness in America works, you don’t have to like it to benefit from its privilege. (And I am not saying that this is any fault of your own). But I do believe that not to acknowledge and account for it does in fact perpetuate it…IMO.
- I am passionate, but most of my peers are, I’m probably more vocal. I find culturally we tend to speak more privately …a little too uncomfortable for some when we speak openly and honestly. Publicly you get a lot of politeness.
Lastly, as far me making content…there are already lots of blk content creators telling these stories, I learn from and enjoy their content. I’ve actually shared your channel with many because I enjoy it as well. And these are my honest observations. Hope they added something to the conversation. If not…my apologies. I’m done✌🏾
You look just like your great Grandmother! Beautiful!
It is perfectly as it should be.
It has the negative karma associated with the evils of Slavery. To change it you must be the change and go change it with your new change. You are the chosen change maker ✨ That's partly why you are traveling back to your past lifetime home 🎉
Great video, what is your ethnic background.
Italian, Irish, Hispanic/Native Mexican, African American....and possibly Egyptian.😂
Your great grandmother Is you...😉👍🏻
Would love to know if you're now learning about Creole culture.
I am! I have a video I’m working on learning how to make creole food from a creole chef 😊
I was stationed in Philadelphia. The Navy Base was in South Philadelphia which has a large Italian population. To be honest many of them looked like black Louisiana people. I told one of my shipmates this who was from the area and he warned me to not say that to anyone else. 😂 I told him they might not want to travel to the south because they would definitely be seen as light skinned black folks. 😂😂
LOL😂 I have 100% encountered this.
@@nytn 😂😂😂😂
You look soooo much like Lola!!😳
History not lost, but hidden.
Did The Owner give You a reason why? He wouldn't let You walk The Land?.
He didnt give a reason, but I didnt want to press him on it.
I can say that the first thought that came to mind would be paranoia of a lawsuit. I was a paranormal investigator for years and that was an issue we faced. If he knew her ancestor was enslaved there, maybe he thinks “revenge”, as if she steps on broken glass, she will sue and this is a generational karma. Just a theory.
Learning my lineage, they were considered “peasants”, the people not worthy. Owning land was a far fetched dream. So the ones who migrated here and got land grants were extremely proud. We have so much family property in Cameron parish, it’s only used for hunting. By my goodness, bring your book with the family crescent as proof or the ones who live near will come after you.
Louisiana have some dark history. Especially New Orleans. When it comes to race.
But I love my city
The good thing is you were able to pinpoint where your ancestors lived even though the present occupants were too ashamed to let you look around. Slaves were not even granted headstones: only a rock as a grave marker so no telling how many slaves are underfoot. So much land was stolen from slaves after Reconstruction and the people living on that land today are likely beneficiaries from slavery even though they didn’t have slaves themselves . Sleep tight. God sees everything.
Wow, You really look like Lola!
this made my day!
Wow splitting image of Grandma
40 or 70 acres? Your grandfather nor his descendants would have let that much land go.
I need to trace what happened. They owned it up until the civil war, but that area was razed by the north when they came through
Terrible that guy still owns that land.
Why?
To many of the enslaved suffered for it to be sacred.
Image any black people who search there history can only go back so far, and for many enslavement was part of their history through both parents.
If it would have been you what would have happened to you?
Enslaved or Passing???
I asked myself that question and WHUTES
I was told I would pass.
Do a video on PASSING?