America's Roots: Why America Needs a Slavery Museum

“It’s Not Just Black History, It’s National History”

The Whitney Plantation was originally owned by a German immigrant family called the Haydels and run by the slaves they owned, but it now belongs to John Cummings, a successful trial attorney and white southerner in his late 70s who has spent 16 years and more than $8 million of his own fortune on the project. Cummins and Ibrahima Seck, director of research, want to educate people about the realities of slavery, its history and its impact on the country today.

“The history of this country is rooted in slavery,” says Seck. “If you don’t understand the source of the problem, how can you solve it?”

This beautifully filmed video from The Atlantic provides a glimpse into the history of the Whitney Plantation and its mission. (Introduction from the Aleteia website)

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America's Roots: The Whitney Plantation Museum

CBS This Morning takes a look at the Whitney Plantation and how it confronts a painful aspect of American history

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The Soul of America

Here is a re-post from last year. As we look to the Fourth of July celebrations, perhaps it is a good time to hear Jon Meacham again as he talks about our country.

There are some days when I want to write an essay about the things going on around. There are other days when I want to write a poem to express my feelings about life. Then there are those days when I think that our time would be much better spent listening to Jon Meacham.

Here is an excellent interview in which Jon Meacham talks with Willie Geist about his book, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels. You'll hear a thoughtful, articulate, and intelligent discussion on our history as well as the times we are living in.

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Artsongs: George Washington (Stuart)

The Old General

His top coat speaks of by-gone days,

Of fashion long ago.

Perhaps his eyes could see ahead,

Or was his heart unsure?

His countenance is now at ease

With battles left behind.

Yet will his mind find peace or rest

As new frontiers awake?

He lends a steady gaze to all

Who dare to dream anew.

They take his visage as a sign

That greatness is at hand.

Still, in those eyes there is some doubt,

For who can know the end?

So many trials are yet to come

Before the dream is clear.

                                                 ~ CK

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Image: Portrait of George Washington at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Artist: Gilbert Stuart 1755-1828)
Date: 1795
Medium: Oil on canvas

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