Michelle Obama's Slavery Roots

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Run time: 03:46 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY5a92G1Iy8   Posted on YouTube: October 08, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: October 08, 2009 By DU Member: Amerigo Vespucci Views on DU: 901

 

CBS
October 08, 2009

The New York Times traced Michelle Obama's five generation path from slavery to the White House. Harry Smith spoke to Megan Smoleyak the genealogist who uncovered the first lady's family tree.

[YOY]

1. Great watch.

I'd like to see more of that. Fascinating.

[riverwalker]

2. she has a great book

"In Search of our Ancestors".

[peacetalksforall]

3. There is something bothering me. For those who have done genealogical research.

there is no satisfaction that compares to the discovery and the fact that is is your own work. I feel Michelle, if she didn't already know this information, was robbed. On the other hand, ff Michelle or her mother or any relative already knew this, then this woman and that network had no right to present it as discovery.

Michelle is now in a different category and is fodder for any historian, but I can't tell you how precious the event, plus the result is to someone who manages their own genealogy.

I am so suspicious of the vast right wing (that is still in power whether or not they are in the WH), that I cannot totally accept that this was a gracious story. Why did ABC/CBS? (not sure which one)decide to do this - did this woman approach them - did they seek someone out to do this story, was there something in writing that alerted the network to the story and they sought her out? Given my distrust of all The Republican tv networks, were they trying to calm things down among the haters or is there another shoe to drop - something that will shock us for the way it can be twisted by a Limbaugh or someone else. Was she paid by anyone?

A side point - slaves built the White House - their hands and backs and careful craftsmanship are everywhere. If only we could glory in this election and the work to be done by a new President. If only we could recognize a great connection between the two continents and the two hemispheres and find peace. If only we could live each of these days with the thrill of Inauguration Day.

[vaberella]

8. I felt the same way to be honest.

I think you hit that discomfort I felt. However, at the same time...I just see the whole thing as more of gratification that we are all still here on Earth representing the struggles of our ancestor.

[Joe Chi Minh]

4. She looks a little Afro to me, though her skin looks nordic.

[juno jones]

5. Scratch deep enough and many of us have african roots as well.

There are relatives of mine who have olive skin and 'nappy' hair. I'm sure my family's african roots have been as closely hidden as the irish and gypsy ones until recently (until they were confided in me).

It makes you wonder how many have been 'passing for white' under the radar of racism and oppression.

[Joe Chi Minh]

6. Sure. The irony is that the Africans are an incredibly gifted people.

[vaberella]

7. As a Black woman from Haiti...I can tell you I would love to know the extent of my background.

However the French weren't so meticulous with keeping papers and if there were any my forefathers who saved us from slavery destroyed them along side the slave owner who owned him/her. I only have the little bit I know of my history. I'm happy for FLOTUS for having someone give her a piece of the puzzle she might have wondered about if she didn't know. And I wish all of us who are descendents of slaves would have that knowledge in future if we can. Or at least the piece of mind of knowing whoever our ancestors were---we are here on Earth continously representing their struggle for life, dignity, recognition, and freedom.

[peacetalksforall]

9. If we could only be able to talk reincarnation more freely it would help some people

to think about the idea that they could have lived one of their lives as a slave, if they never thought about it before. If poor, they could think about the life in wealth that they lived or vv. It is a concept that makes it easier to open the arms and the mind, simply in the thought of it.