I have heard so many versions of history from many folks. When I was exploring my ancestry by means of family reports I seemed to illuminate the complete scene from the snippet.
A twice great grand parent was Irish, changed his name. Was he a criminal, a runaway slave ((indentured servant) white slavery a very hidden American history). He married a Cherokee, full or half, might have been a Freeman or a Black Indian (there is such a thing, implies so much). Their son married a lady, they don't know her last name or origin, anyway my grandmother, her sisters and brothers have so-called "traditional Indian looks" (nose, cheeks, hair). They never mentioned Indian origins while I was growing up. My dad had some looks but I never associated with Indian features. His older brother, my Uncle Ike, looked Indian and his younger brother had "good" hair and was extra handsome.
Another great uncle said he was from "Molyglasco island off the coast of Africa", he had mahogany skin, good hair and a singing voice. East Africa has Madagascar, Borneo, piracy and slavery in the past, said he was sold into slavery when he got here. Here he joined the Northern Army, escaped into Canada, married, came back through Ypsilanti Michigan.
Now both my mom's grand folks come from Alabama, one classed negro the other a mulatto. Of course mulatto meant a mix of Indian/Negro but could have been Indian/white more than white/Negro. Alabama was land to Muskogee, Creeks, maybe a few others and I don't know many Africans were enslaved in that area, let alone native free blacks. More stories about displacement, being moved than being entrenched in labor camps.
Anyway my point is that when I touch the small family reports big scenes open in my mind as if I can see a whole story. I am sure many of us have the same experiences. When I do my futurist art I envision this past coming forward. Some of us are compelled to tell the stories even though we don't know the facts. It all comes from a deep dreamy place.
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