Keepsakes
stories in the blood
Bodies as capsules
all my Afro-Virginian
mothers passed but present.
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Author’s Note: In 2018, I began tracing my family’s roots over 9 generations. Prior to this journey, I had barely known my own grandmother. Four years of research, dozens of interviews with close and distant family members, trips to courthouses, and various historical societies in rural Virginia led to me being able to tell my family story from enslavement to freedom in Virginia. There is much I can say about this, but perhaps the thing that is most important is that I honor my families blood in the land by sharing their stories. Thank you for reading my work which is always a homage to them.
My fifth great- grandmother was freed from slavery in 1808 in Stafford County, Virginia. She set my family on a path to freedom. I discovered her on a Free Negro Register - she was logged as 38- the same age I was when I discovered her. 💜
About the Creator
Nichelle Calhoun
A daughter/granddaughter of the Great Migration telling Black stories from here, there, then and now.
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Comments (18)
I love this! I've tried for so long to find information on my ancestry, with no avail. It's a blessing to know where we are truly rooted. I'm glad that you are sharing. Very inspiring!
Noi
I came back to tell you that I woke up this morning with the words “bodies as capsules,” echoing in my mind. Those three words speak so loudly…haunting.
nice useful
❤️💯🤎
Is there a mystery to the photo? I see a pair of adult male hands but more child-like fingers and a young boy. Was this augmented at some point? Congrats on Top Story!
Excellent work! I’m so glad you finally found your family. Kudos and hugs to you. Congrats on Top Story!
Beautiful. Passed but present. Excellent. Photo is priceless.
An extraordinary haiku. "Bodies as capsules!" And the photo -- what a treasure.
Love this stunning Haiku. ❤️
Absolutely in love with this deep and beautiful haiku! So well written!
That was cool
Beautiful work! What a gorgeous family you have!
Very well written! So deep
Very nicely done. Congrats on the Top Story
Congratulations, Nichelle!
What a remarkable photograph and moving words. Especially love the use of “Afro-Virginian.” It really centered the poem in space and time for me. Beautiful.
Very nice!! The picture is amazing, too! What a beautiful family.