This month’s Equity Resource comes from Bill O’Brien, Tangletown resident, board member, and co-chair of the Tangletown Equity Committee:
“As we have come upon the 5-year anniversary of George Floyd’s tragic death, I am once again reconciling with the reason for his death, the protests that culminated & the desire for change, and then the nationwide backlash to the desire to be more equitable and do better.
I came upon the book I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free, by Lee Hawkins, while searching for something to help reconcile my thoughts. It was published earlier this year, and I thought it was a nice bonus that the author, Lee Hawkins, grew up in Maplewood, MN.
I would like to add The Whitney Plantation is hosting an online discussion regarding this book with the author on June 5th (sign up here if interested).”
The book is an introspective journey into the author Lee Hawkin’s family history, tracing its roots back to pre-Revolutionary America. Utilizing genetic testing, investigative reporting, and historical documentation, Mr. Hawkins explores 400 years of his family’s lineage, revealing the intertwined lives of Black and white families, their resilience, sufferings, and the impact of historical trauma. This personal exploration serves as a broader commentary on the significance of genealogical research in healing and bridging racial divides in contemporary America.