Paid In Full: Sepia Souls

Almost 161 years ago, this copy of receipt was written in reference to the purchase of a slave named Davy.  The exact date as shown is September 28, 1850.  Sold by a Virginia resident to a Florida resident for the amount of $765.00.

Slavery remains an undeniable stain on the fabric of the red, white, and blue. 

Photograph of a receipt for the purchase of a slave named Davy, a photo by State Library and Archives of Florida on Flickr.

Earthquake By Northeast

                  
An earthquake measuring in the range of 5.9 to 6.0 hit the northeastern United States today, its epicenter in Mineral, VA.  Washington, D.C. area in the news once again.

 

Sometimes life can be stranger than fiction.

        

Photograph of the Effect of Earthquake on Houses Built on Loose or Made Ground After the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, 1906, a photo by The U.S. National Archives on Flickr.

Black Love and The Gold Standard

Nikolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson, for many of us, are not a duo, but a solo act, comprised of two distinct and complimentary personalities.  The loss Nikolas yesterday from a bout with cancer is a tragic end to one of the most documented love story of generations.  They are the gold standard of music creators and in very rare company.

         They didn’t just write songs, although it’s hard not to connect with The Boss, as performed by Diana Ross, or I’m Every Woman, classically written by them and made immortal by not one, but two vocal giants: Chaka Khan & Whitney Houston.   They sold their songs and their message of eternal love through their lifestyle.  They were the couple that loved love and being in love.

The last time I saw them, was in a ballroom surrounded by songwriters half their age, who just wanted to touch them, speak with them, and somehow, be anointed by them.    They were warm and welcoming as always, and yes, still loving one another. 

         I was shocked and saddened to learn of Nick’s untimely transition.  I wish Valerie a peaceful existence on her journey without Nick, and may God watch over her and the extended family during this time and going forward.

         

The Washington Family Picnic 2011

A Fourth of July celebration, St. Helena Island, S.C. (LOC), a photo by The Library of Congress on Flickr.

On Saturday, August 20th, we held our family’s annual summer picnic: The Washington Family Picnic 2011. We are a Black family.

We come together to teach our children and their children how to be family.
We come together to remind ourselves that we are greater than the sum of our accomplishments, disappointments, and desires.
We come together so that we’ll recognize ourselves as we continue to grow.
We are together to have fun!

Our family is large and extended with varying belief systems, politics, life experiences, and future hopes.
We are vanilla, cocoa, dark chocolate, café au lait, and light chocolate.
We are close and sometimes not so close.
We are young and old, new and worn.
We recognize that our connection as family is greater than our disagreements.
We miss those who are not present.
We remember those who will attend no more.
We are a Black family and the blood of our creators proudly carries us on.

We go from table to table, connecting over ribs, hot dogs, fried chicken and hamburgers. Hot links, dip with potato chips, and a slew of six-packs are conversation starters.
We talk plainly: about the future, the past, and the present.
We share good and bad news.
We laugh often.
We laugh at our fears.
We laugh as we watch the kids playing.
We laugh at the antics of the elders.
We laugh at ourselves!
We listen and learn that our greatest joy and our most acute pain are shared.
We play games to bring us closer to one another.
We tell stories from years past so that those younger will remember from whom they came.
We finish conversations that took place the year before.

The architects of our family are Manuel & Lucille Washington, my Grandparents. Their commitment to one another and family brought forth seven children. Those seven children: Dorothy, Manuel Jr., Willa, Robert, Gloria, Mary, and Shirley, and their children, have created generations that continue to renew.

We are a Black family and we come together in love!

         


Again, some time has lapsed since my last post.  Same plan as last time, to post more often in documenting my crazy life.

         With a full day with no commitments today, I’m spending time cleaning and cooking.  The dinner menu will include oven roasted spare ribs.  I’m a barbecue freak and I can eat ribs practically every day given the opportunity.

         With our annual Washington Family picnic coming up on Saturday, I thought I would get a jump-start on the feast!

        

Enjoy today!