Thank you for this, Lissa, especially the recommended references. I currently land on #43.
I was born & grew up in Alabama, and some of my ancestors were slave owners. My heritage mortifies me, and I really do shudder and my gut hurts when I think about it — and have no idea how I can help.
Whenever I come across a person of color named Glover, I want to grovel and apologize. But I suspect that’s not the answer.
And then, having lived in North Georgia, there’s the Cherokee Nation’s history. When I walk along the rivers in Rome, Ga, my heart aches. I can feel the ghosts. I suspect my ancestors also routed (killed and raped) natives in SW Alabama, when they tried to establish the Vine & Olive Colony.
All of that said, I really do have CPTSD (largely from my deep Southern upbringing), Autism, and many layers of trauma, so the spoons really are pretty full.
I fear alienating several BIPOC friends and feel I’m in a lose-lose situation if I say anything to them.
I’ll continue to meditate and pray, and dig into the resources you’ve provided here.
Thank you for this, Lissa, especially the recommended references. I currently land on #43.
I was born & grew up in Alabama, and some of my ancestors were slave owners. My heritage mortifies me, and I really do shudder and my gut hurts when I think about it — and have no idea how I can help.
Whenever I come across a person of color named Glover, I want to grovel and apologize. But I suspect that’s not the answer.
And then, having lived in North Georgia, there’s the Cherokee Nation’s history. When I walk along the rivers in Rome, Ga, my heart aches. I can feel the ghosts. I suspect my ancestors also routed (killed and raped) natives in SW Alabama, when they tried to establish the Vine & Olive Colony.
All of that said, I really do have CPTSD (largely from my deep Southern upbringing), Autism, and many layers of trauma, so the spoons really are pretty full.
I fear alienating several BIPOC friends and feel I’m in a lose-lose situation if I say anything to them.
I’ll continue to meditate and pray, and dig into the resources you’ve provided here.
Thanks again 🙏
I'm really touched by your share, Leslee. Thank you for letting us know what this brought up in you.