How do you share a history that has been hidden in the past? As we talk to African American families across the country this is a topic that often arises. In families like mine generations that preceded us were taught never to talk about some of the things that were heard or seen. Those messages were carried into the later years of their lives and sometimes to their graves. And the impact has been a generation of children who find it hard to shape their future because they are unsure of the past from which they have risen.
Recently, Ronnie and I were excited to have an opportunity to tell Untold Stories from our families history for the Wells Fargo Kinsey Collection Untold Stories: Our Inspired Stories campaign. The need for families like ours to get these stories out into the open is critical. These stories are part of the fabric of our country, but most likely will never be told through history books… so it’s paramount that we tell the stories ourselves. From generation to generation, these words must live. We have to share these untold stories like griots from our native land so they will never be lost.
In the video above, Ronnie shares fond memories of growing up in Smithfield, Virginia insulated by family. She expresses how she longs for our children to have that same feeling that she has carried into adulthood and the impact that those experiences had on her even to this day.
In the video, from the steps of the Morgan County African American Museum, I share the story of my great, great, great grandfather Moses Bass who was the first freedman to buy land in Morgan County, Georgia despite the fact that he was unable to read or write. I also share the untold story about my grandfather that shocked my family (even his wife) that I discovered years after his death.
After viewing the video, we encourage you to share your own untold stories in the comment section below and through your social media platforms using the hashtag #KinseyUntold. These stories must be told!
The Kinsey Collection:
Presented by Wells Fargo, an exhibition of the renowned Kinsey Collection is currently on tour in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. The tour officially launched during Black History Month in San Francisco, CA. On June 29, the tour kicked off its second stop at the Harvey B. Gantt Center in Charlotte, NC. And beginning this weekend on November 2nd it will move to Baltimore’s Reginald F. Lewis Museum through March 2, 2014.
Earlier this year Ronnie and I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, the couple behind the collection. During our short time with the Kinseys we were totally blown away by their love for this country, love of African American culture and the love they show each other. They’ve set a precedent for what it means to leave a legacy because a true legacy is not just left for your family but for your community as well.
We strongly encourage you to take the time to visit the Kinsey Collection with your family. The impact is immeasurable.
Click here to view more Untold Stories from the Campaign.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Wells Fargo but all thoughts and reflections are totally our own.
The SistahChick says
Love. Love. Love. I love it. Thanks for sharing your history! The video is awesome
Lamar Tyler says
Thanks Stacey for taking time out to view the video. Sharing these stories is so important!
Kpana Kpoto says
Ronnie and Lamar: Thanks so much for sharing this video and stories about your family. It is truly important to share untold stories about our families. I know my family has a rich history. Some of my ancestors on my mom’s side were freed slaves who settled in Liberia. Unfortunately, I do not know much about the history on my dad’s side. I could go on but I will end here. This video makes me want to see more.
Lamar Tyler says
Thanks for sharing Kpana. That actually is similar to my background. Everything that I’ve been able to find is on my mothers side and there are still branches of my family tree specifically on my father’s side that I know nothing about. More work to do.
Briana Myricks says
Wow you guys come from a very rich family, rich in culture. I love that you were able to find that out about your family history. I’ve heard some great stories from my grandpa about his side of the family, and how his father was a well respected black man in Mississippi, even by white men. I’m looking forward to my results from 23 and Me to see exactly where my family came from and learning more about our history.
Lamar Tyler says
Thanks Briana. The truth is probably that many of us do come from rich family histories but just have no idea that this is the case. I strongly you encourage you to track your family history and roots, you just might be amazed to find out where you really come from.
Swarthy Daisy says
I love this! I love ancestry. I am working on my family’s history story now. Learning a whole lot!
Lamar Tyler says
It really is fascinating when you get into it isn’t it? Especially in our community seeing what our ancestors were able to overcome and achieve.
Krishann says
This was such a beautiful video. It was touching to hear your stories and I imagine they will be a gift that you give to your children as you continue to tell them. Thank you for sharing this part of your story with us.
Christine says
Absolutely love this video and the important message behind it. Both my husband and I are first generation American and we just had a conversation the other day about not wanting to lose either culture with our kids. This really motivated me to make this more of a priority. Thanks so much for sharing!
Lamar Tyler says
I really think sharing our histories is something we plan on doing but keep putting off, then one day the kids are grown or one day the older relative we want to ask questions isn’t around anymore. That’s why it’s so important to make it a priority like you said, in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives.
Tiya says
Thank you for sharing this video. It has really inspired me to learn more about my own family’s history. I don’t even know where to begin, because my grandmother was adopted, but I know I want to be able to leave my girls with knowledge of our past.
Jackie Bledsoe, Jr. says
Nice! Really nice! I like it Lamar and Ronnie!! Thanks for sharing.
Lamar Tyler says
Thanks for taking the time to check it out.
Heath says
Love Love Love this. My dad wrote a book about his family history. He’s leaving it up to me to pick up from where he left off and tell my story. This piece motivates me to create one rich in heritage and culture.
Lamar Tyler says
Thanks Heath. Love that your dad took the time to document the history like that.
Christine says
Wow that’s really awesome Heath!! Very inspiring 🙂
Charles griffin says
Family, Ronnie took me back to the many days and the stories that was told under that tree. I wish our children could spend a day having what we enjoyed.
Shannon Harris says
Excellent job on the video. The wealth of any family is it’s history. It is so important that our younger generation know the struggles and sacrifices their great, great great and great great great grandparents made so we can enjoy the life we live. We must continue to enforce and support family reunions and gatherings so our children become wealthy in the family history.
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