Sharswood; Exhuming paved over Black cemeteries; Tulsa race massacre; HistoryMakers | Full Episodes

Fred Miller, an Air Force veteran, unexpectedly purchased the Charwood estate, a grand old plantation house in Virginia, and learned it was the place where his ancestors were enslaved. His family members unraveled their history through research, discovering their ties to the property's former enslaved people. This revelation brought up complex emotions but also a sense of coming home and reconnecting with their roots.

The Miller family's discovery of their ancestors' enslavement at Charwood led them to uncover more details about their matriarch, Sarah Miller, and her parents, David and Violet, who were enslaved by the plantation's previous owner. Through genealogical research and census records, they found evidence that Violet was enslaved at Charwood, solidifying the family's connection to the property's dark history.

The Millers continued their quest to uncover their family's history, leading them to Sarah Miller's childhood home, a modest dwelling that underscored the harsh conditions their ancestors endured. They also discovered tombstones bearing the family name in a nearby church cemetery, hinting at a deeper connection to the area. Each revelation brought them closer to understanding their origins.

The Millers' journey took an emotional turn as they learned that their ancestors, David and Violet, were among the enslaved people owned by Nathaniel Kinshaw Miller and Charles Edwin Miller, the original owners of Charwood. This painful revelation solidified the family's ties to the plantation and the enslavement of their forebears, prompting a range of emotions from sadness to a sense of completeness and belonging.

The Millers embraced their newfound connection to Charwood, hugging the trees and feeling a deep sense of homecoming. Fred Miller, the owner, vowed to preserve the slave quarters and cemetery on the property, recognizing the importance of honoring his ancestors' sacrifices. The family celebrated their resilience and looked forward to sharing their story with others.

In Clearwater, Florida, residents with long memories recognized the grave injustice committed when segregated cemeteries were desecrated and bodies of African Americans were unceremoniously moved or paved over to make way for development. Archaeologists uncovered evidence of unmarked graves and disturbed remains, shedding light on this painful chapter of the city's history and prompting discussions about how to properly honor and memorialize the forgotten dead.

Archaeologists employed ground-penetrating radar and excavations to map the extent of the desecration of segregated cemeteries in Clearwater. They found evidence of hundreds of likely graves beneath buildings, parking lots, and roads, confirming that bodies were not properly relocated as promised. Their findings shed light on the disrespect and marginalization faced by the African American community, even in death.

The events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, where a white mob attacked and burned down the prosperous African American community of Greenwood, are recounted. The survivors' accounts describe the horrific violence, including the deployment of airplanes to terrorize and bomb the neighborhood, resulting in hundreds of deaths and the destruction of homes, businesses, and churches. Despite the magnitude of the atrocity, it was erased from history and public consciousness for decades.

The Tulsa Race Massacre left a lasting impact on the city, with survivors and their descendants carrying the trauma and memories of the violence. Efforts are now underway to investigate and locate potential mass graves, exhume remains, and identify victims through DNA analysis. The city aims to provide a proper memorial and recognition for those who lost their lives, acknowledging a history that was intentionally erased and forgotten for nearly a century.

Plans are underway in Tulsa to conduct a test excavation at potential mass grave sites from the 1921 Race Massacre. Forensic anthropologists hope to recover remains, determine causes of death, and potentially identify individuals through DNA analysis. The excavation aims to provide closure and justice for the victims, whose stories have been suppressed for too long, and to properly honor their memory.

The History Makers organization is working to create a comprehensive digital archive of firsthand accounts from African Americans, preserving their stories and experiences for future generations. By conducting interviews with luminaries, pioneers, and everyday people, the archive aims to capture the richness and diversity of Black American history, which has often been overlooked or marginalized in traditional historical narratives.

The History Makers' collection of oral histories is being used in classrooms to educate and inspire students, particularly African American youth. By introducing them to the stories of overcomers and achievers from their own community, the curriculum aims to foster a sense of pride, resilience, and motivation, empowering students to aspire to greater heights and embrace their cultural legacy.

Juliana Richardson, the founder of The History Makers, is on a mission to secure funding and support for her organization's efforts to preserve and digitize the stories and artifacts of African American history. With a generous donation from the Ford Foundation, she aims to expand the archive's reach and ensure that these invaluable narratives are accessible for generations to come, countering the erasure and marginalization of Black experiences in the historical record.

Juliana Richardson, driven by her own experiences of being disconnected from Black history as a child, has dedicated her life to creating The History Makers archive. Through her tireless efforts, she has amassed a treasure trove of stories that affirm the value and contributions of African Americans, enriching her own life and ensuring that future generations have access to these invaluable narratives and role models.