Descendants of Africans on slave ship on reconciliation with family of Alabama enslaver
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- čas přidán 20. 11. 2023
- Descendants of the enslaved Africans brought to Alabama on the last known slave ship met with the family of the ship’s financier to discuss reconciliation.
#news #history #BlackHistory
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15:57 was deep “they can’t be responsible for what their four fathers did many years ago however that behavior benefited them and worked to the disadvantage of us.” Very powerful conversation
The recognition I don't have an issue with, but they can't ask for them to pay reparations for 4+ generations ago, those impacted had their chance to do better over the last 158+ years. And now they are benefitting from the taxes paid and it being redistributed, and property taxes go straight to public schools, which is what they were asking for, almost, they requested they pay for every descendant of their ancestor's slaves to have equal education that the current living relatives had.
Not true due to the lack of 4+ generations of wealth that they didnt have that the Maher descendants did the chance/opportunities to prosper were not there for them. Along with Jim Crow laws, segregation laws etc….
& it's STILL working toward the "advantage" of them...they're selling somethings...& donating the funds elsewhere instead of breaking everyone off so they can build they're own community...w/the reperations...not sure I mentioned this earlier on, yet I am Cape Verde American 2cnd gen. born here in the US...& if you will research "Campo de Morta Taraffel, Cape Verde...where is the original via the Portuguese capturing, storing & selling slaves whence 1st began. We won our Independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975...so what I'm saying is...Go get/take back what is rightfully YOURS...get your ancestory DNA done, bcz Ghana & recently a few other countries are wanting you back home, just imagine how much more they could do between 2 continents w/duo citizenship 😆 just saying/talking business & generational wealth
You ever ask your grand or great grand why they couldn’t build America themselves and why did they have to go purchase people and disrupt their lives to build this place .?????
@@MR.Drowsy158but u pay 2/3 of the countries on earth and foreign countries
Pay the blacks what they are owed
God will judge your nation
@7:32 “They didn’t come with empty heads, they came with empty hands-so they found a way to make a way…” To survive the horror of being kidnapped and enslaved, but then thrive is amazing.
They weren't kidnapped and enslaved. They were enslaved in the Kingdom of Dahomey and then sold to the Portugese and then sold to the Captain of the Clotilda.
Ok … they were enslaved first … as if that makes any of this any less terrible and remarkable …
Slavery did NOT begin in America... African ancestors sold their people into slavery, these people were already slaves to the African people!!! But, it was more profitable to sell them to the English colonists... sad but true
@@TheCanalZone they were enslaved this country and their descendants were never allowed to prosper from their work. That is the critical factor
@@diggee172 Thank you for recentering the conversation highjacked by the deflector.
I applaud the courage of these people meeting together like this for the first time. Their openness and respectful attitude towards one another is the only way forward. May we elect leaders in our country who have the same spirit as these folks.
the Meyers seems like they gonna justify their grandfathers actions. And the fact that they were talking through their lawyers is disrespectful. I dont know if i would forgive them.
Of course this "way forward" would be considered "the only way", as I see no recompense in sight. This isn't respect, but just a way to have these people move on without receiving recompense for atrocities spanning half a millenia. Disgusting
@@ocean440They didn't do anything wrong, so they couldn't care less if you don't forgive them
If you profit from a crime you are part of it @@zackiej89
@@ocean440 I agree with you Ocean, I am white/ English and I thought how dare these millionaires say that they have to think about giving small parcels of land to these families, land that wouldn't be theirs if the enslaved hadn't been worked to death to make profits for the whites. It should have been an instant, 'Yes, of course we can give land, we can start to repay', I couldn't live with myself knowing what my ancestors had done. Those Mayhers should be ashamed.
one of my friends is a descendent and grew up in near AfricaTown. What was not said that many don't realize (that needs to be part of the reconciliation conversation) is the medical impact those factories had and continues to have on these residents (cancers, chronic migraines, organ failure, in addition to the mental health stuff he mentioned). They are suffering more than ppl realize (and they are good humble ppl who don't complain about it), but the air, water, and land needs to be tested because something in all of that industrial development is causing health problems for the descendants/residents.
Yep
Yeah, those 2 individual women shouldn't be blamed or held responsible but this is similar to someone suing a Hospital or Doctor for malpractice. It's the "Meaher Institution" or companies developed by Meaher that's responsible.
Are those factories owned by the Meaher's? If it is true that factories are the cause of health issues, it is a pretty clear lawsuit that thousands of lawyers in this country would take up in a heartbeat.
None of those people should have ANY BILLS WHATSOEVER!!!! The horror of this is incomprehensible and ineffable.
Environmental racism.
This is insane. The darkness of what humans did to humans is just horrible. Thank you for sharing this.
*do
'humans did to humans'...DID?
Please look at what has predominated the news from October 7th 2023 through the response to what happened.
'DID'????...more like 'DO'!!
What we still do you mean
See Gaza genocide
DO*
Seeing that boat and those “imaginary” people stacked up knowing those were actual people is absolutely horrifying
Now think about who sold them into slavery to start with
Then think where you would be if slavery had never happened. 🚇In an intellectual level, You really can’t rail against something if not wishing it had never been allowed to occur. That would be hypocritical to say the least, self serving at its best….
It’s is right to remember history and what occurred, wrong and “good”, but eleven you can’t get past it, the never will be healing
Look at the Palestinian’s….
I went to the African American museum in dc and it was horrible things
@@nealandersen4867 Here you go with the nonsense
@@lawtraf8008 you mean established history
Please continue to do “Updates” about this developing story.
I was blown away by the genuineness eloquence, composure, sensitivity, & conversations by all these people. I think I would’ve had difficulty staying calm bc it’s such an enormous emotional experience. Kudos to the Meaher family’s descendants at this meeting, I was happy to see them at this meeting, because they were seriously listening & understanding towards the conversations that took place. Anderson Cooper is as exceptional as always!!
Can you imagine all of those ancestors in the 1800's seeing their descendants fight for them more than 150 years later. This is such an impressive documentary.
Lol. They do not care. They want that money. PERIOD
Imagine being face to face with the descendants of those who enslaved your ancestors. You know the spirits of both ancestors were also in that room. America has been so cruel to it's African descendant citizens. 😢😢😢
Penny, wrong! The USA has been extremely compassionate. We fought a war to free the slaves. Why isn't dying for the emancipation of slaves enough? We have also provided Civil Rights and Affirmative Action to atone for the transgressions of the plantation owners. When is enough, enough? For all the opportunities provided to the descendants of slaves, we have cesspools of crime and poverty in black majority cities. When are the descendants going to rise up and show the country what wonderful productive members of society they are?
Your comment is organic
@@TheCanalZonethe war wasn’t to free the slaves and you know it compassion toward Africans American would be to give them part of the land they worked on. Africans American weren’t able to get a good education up into the 1960s.How do you not expect crime with a group of people that been held back and cheated ever since theirs existence in the united states
@@jonathangomez7324 How anyone can say that the US Civil War wasn't fought to free the slaves is beyond me. From the US President to the Generals who fought the war for the Union, the goal was obviously to end slavery. But I guess its more convenient to frame yourself as the victim, even though countless men died to fight for your freedom.
@@Melior_Traianothat makes America feel good to say that but that war wasn’t really about slavery and you know it .
That is so disrespectful to build a highway in their thriving community and factories of chemicals!!!!!!
They did it to many many many black communities. They've even made parks and lakes over black communities
European men did this in every black communities in America not just this case put black Americans in proverty up to this very day 2023 shame on European men biggest thrives in American history.
It happens all over America's black neighborhoods.
@@meaux-kneauxCentral Park in New York City.
@@tonjamarshall4842 now that I'm witnessing it's more prevalent now 😭
It brings much relief to know that there are people willing to step up and face their families role in oppression. May these types of conversations be brought to light in order to work through trauma and systems of oppression that linger today. We do not heal from blaming others but through the willingness to open our hearts and acknowledge the shadow.
"no financial commitments were made"
Typical
Of course.
I'm half Asian whose white father was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1947 and I have been visiting Mobile off and on since 1976. As expected, Alabama lives up to its reputation when it comes to black and white/segregated relations. I first heard of Coltida in 2020. My 100 year old grandmother knew of the place. She first moved to Mobile in the late 1930s and knew lived nearby in Prichard. I decided to visit Africatown in 2021. It's crazy to think how close the town is to downtown Mobile, yet I never 'stumbled' upon it, in all the times I visited Mobile as it's really in an obscure part of central Mobile, totally surrounded by industrial/factories. The town was sad, nothing but crumpling/empty and dilapidated businesses with plumes of smoke from chemical factories, surrounded by the sound of speeding cars from the nearby highway. The residential town is nothing but a couple streets with rundown homes next to a cemetery. It's nice to know their is a museum now, but ultimately, the reconciliation is what needs to happen at a community level. It's true, the Mahers have streets named after them close by. I think if an example can be set in Mobile, other cities can hold national reconciliation at a local level. We really need to have these conversations and stop passing the buck to our children and grandchildren.
Well Segregation was 60 years ago. The effects are still seen to this day. The entire state of Alabama isn’t racist and has tons of black and white relations everywhere in the state. The whole south in general really is actually the best place for blacks in this country.
@@jrg5315 Alabama fighting against SCOTUS direct order to redraw racially gerrymandered electoral maps that disadvantaged black voters... but you think things are fine in Alabama for black people. The arrogance in your thinking which area of the US is "best" for black people is telling.
@jrg5315, please stop speaking for black people!!
@@toddtodd7395Nope.
You can't have an honest dialogue if one side gets hair trigger attacked for merely commenting.
Shame on you.
I love and live by the words of Morgan Freeman. When asked about racism/ slavery. He said just stop talking about it. Never forget what has passed so we dont repeat just stop talking about it. Stop pointing it out, stop opening a wound that shouldve been healed along time ago. Im irish and my families origins were slaves/ indentured servants here around the same time. How come we arent taught that in schools, how come entire news specials dont show that? Cause it doesnt fit the agenda to keep people divided. We atone by never letting something so horrible happen again anywhere, we look at eachother as individual fellow human beings with something to offer and not defined by stereo types and groups, we stop pointing out what makes us different and for the love of god let the past stay where its at the past. To me, constantly talking about it is just poking at a bear going hey, hey, look what happened, hey, hey look what happened you should be mad, you should be a victom, hey, hey see those pale people over there, they dont care, they did this to you look, look. Even tho by looking at me you would never know my ancestors were enlaved and brought over here as well. But i dont let that define me or hold me back. Im fully capable of making my own decisions, i know right from wrong and i am fully aware i am responsible for my own actions. Believe me i want nothing more than for my fellow country men amd women to heal and live a happy life but ifbwe dont start moving forward instead of staying stuck in the past all we are going to accomplish is more segregation and hate.
Notice the maehers had an accountant and lawyer. That was by design. They did not want to meet with them originally because they were scared of losing money.
THAT PART 🤨🧐🤔🙄🤬
spot on
They want to apologize but not pay for it.
And was ever so careful with their words
@@dontbmadjusbcarefulwhy should they? The people that should pay are their fellow countrymen that captured them and sold them into slavery or traded them. Not just to white people.
I didn’t learn this in school. Good to know ❤ These stories need to be told!
To many smiles at this convo. Don’t think people understand how serious these conversations are.
“I want them to recognize how that behavior benefited them and work to the disadvantage of us.” 💯🎯
That's what Democrats have always done. Not just in this country but in all their Colonies and Plantations back when they were called The Whig Party, origins England. They desecrated Ireland. The Irish were the first slaves to The 13 Colonies.
We came with knowledge. That’s why your relatives bought us
They never will. They feel justified. I live in Europe and this woman sat next to me and she just started a conversation. I was polite and reciprocated. The conversation took a different turn and she then told me that her great, great grandfather owned slaves at one time and then she proceeded to tell me that that`s how things were and were done at that time for the better of humankind. She then told me that I wouldn`t have been where I am today if it wasn`t for the great thinking of her ancestors.
Needless to say, the conversation took a drastic turn as I really gave it to her and left her in tears. She had absolutely no remorse telling me all this. She really thought what her ancestors did was the right thing and she proudly stated this to me without fear or even thinking of how it would impact me. Well, she came to the right one that day coz I layed it down on her. I bet she would think ten times before ever saying something like that to another black person ever again. The nerve. SMDH. 😞😓
@@keturaequalizer Thank you! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@@keturaequalizer🤎✊🏾
This is honestly very difficult to watch. I shed a tear seeing that cane, wondering how many times it hit the back of innocent people, forced to work, and robbed of everything they had. I appreciate both sides coming to the table and wanting to get the conversation started. Oh black People, your resilience , tenacity is unmatched.
The tribes from Africa are the ones who sold blacks to the Portuguese Traders which then sold them to many different countries. Funny how mainstream news media ignores the root causes of slavery. It's the equivalent of having your family tools stolen from your home which the criminal sells to a pawn shop which is then purchased by a mechanic visiting the pawn shop.... yet only learning about how the mechanic has become wealthy using the tools.
No it isn’t 😂
@@tino6846 🤡🤡
@skatulle I wondered the same thing when I saw that cane.
Amen ❤🙏🏾
This was a very authentic, and much needed, conversation. Very interesting. I'm black, 56 years old, and I've always thought about my last name, which was given to my family by a slaveholder. I still carry that slaveholder's name to this day.
Wonderful conversation. I’m looking forward to hearing more about this story.
14:12 NO that would not be good to put the largest minimum wage employer in your town - You would be requesting financial enslavement because 75% of Walmarts employees relies on some form of social services to live. You might want to use your land trust to take advantage of river access for the community to own and operate like a co- op.
ABSOLUTELY!!!!
I don't like WalMart!
They're terrible but that percentage according to DOL says otherwise nowadays. Hopefully they find some other partners in business though
Exactly!!! Why is he the manager? Why go back to a plantation. Those women are like with these solutions why should we take these folks serious. If the shoe was on the other foot they are coming for everything!
Exactly.....Walmart No!!!.....Land Trusts and community based co-op ownership models across industry. Have economists calculate the dollar amount of wages withheld and underpayment of wages....Put that dollar amount in the present value of money and devise a plan to get that amount created and distributed to the descendants.....Not easy but doable.....
This episode alone deserves an Emmy. This is what Reconciliation looks like for descendants of Slavery in America.
No it doesn't! Where's the reperations payment to repair black Americans?
Reconciliation is only complete when Reparations is paid. If your truly regretful then prove it by paying Reparations for ill gotten gains.
it’s just unsatisfying that we have to be meek and ask; when they took without thinking twice
@@buffalogal2871 Wow, can you imagine, if the Irish got reparations too? I've always thought that all the Republicans that fought in the Civil War should get more than just a Wounded War pension or a Widow's pension. Nothing can replace what they lost. I love to see all the accounts settled up by the Democrat Party. They didn't pay one damn dime for a War they started.
Reconciliation is cutting the check ✔️✅
Speechless. And the cane exchange literally brought me to tears.
What an incredible story. I wish the entire Miller family love and peace. Peace now that they have found their ancestors and their roots. God bless them all.
Walmart is probably not a good partner to revitalize the community
U can drop the word probably. The originator of Walmart is no better
I’m soooooo glad they were so open to so many changes I know this was a super hard conversation. Applause to them
This is the history that Ron DeSantis wants to take away from our children.
You must pay for your for father's sin and yours these are the words of YAH APTTMHGY acknowledge Mother Wisdom.
@@queenmommie100Sorry, that's not what's happening here... IF, what you're saying is the goal here, then these people would be seeking "reparations" from their ancestors who sold them into slavery in the first place! Slavery did not originate in America...
What do you mean so many changes? Where in 2024 they really don't have much of a choice!😂😂😂😂
Rather defensive, aren't we?
My LORD my people😢 I am going to visit Africatown this summer! I have to see with my own eyes. When young my Dad took my siblings and me to plantations in Mississippi. We are so blessed🙏
Wow! Great show! The sincere approach to truth by both parties! I have always loved you Anderson! May God continue to guide you all! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
As a native of Mobile, I’ve been following this fascinating story for years. I hope this 60 minutes piece fosters a great deal of study and analysis. Knowledge of the entire history of slavery, including this particular story, is essential if we are to destroy slavery of all kinds forever.
Don't be fooled! Not all of us came over here on African Ships .......this story applied to this family and their lineage only, not me , or mine , anyone else's.........
@Hibiscusseedate, that's nice. It's okay to cover the history of those who did. That's NOT being fooled, lol. Wow
Well said.
@@CinnamonSugSpeak for yourself. you apparently don't know your history. our people perish for the lack of knowledge.
My point is every is family is individual. They do these shows wanting to group all blacks as the same and we' re not. So if this applies to you then Amen.
If it isn’t scary to benefit from the horror, how is it scary to reconcile what is owed from that benefit? I’m happy to witness this meeting. Great 1st step.👏🏽👏🏽
Great point.
Because sooooo much is owed! Centuries!! It's still not as scary as what they did to our ancestors during enslavement.
Absolutely. While I understand . There has to be an acknowledgment. Every generation has to pay for their ancestors choices.
And what do you think the “second” step should be?
What do you mean by “pay”? That can come in many forms…
This is such an eye-opening program. 😢 Sad but such a good conversation.
Powerful & needed. A great example of healing is needed in this country. Wishing for great outcomes for both sides of view.
I'm so glad he touched on the mental health aspect of what reparations would mean. Slavery and oppression is TRAUMA and that gets passed down. Not that we are still victims but that trauma takes away from a healthy mindset and caused repeated cyclic trauma that has potential to go through generations. Mental health and healing as a people is so important because a lot of identity has been lost in the transitions. Most communities don't have this rich history of even having an idea of where they come from
So many waves of emotion come to me hearing this story. My family is also direct descendants of those enslaved on the Clotilde. I hope they keep their word
I send blessings to you and honor to your ancestors. Unfortunately people who are in a position of power rarely keep their word unless it is on paper in the form of a contract or treaty and make no doubt that’s what we are witnessing here in this video… a treaty conference even if the two sides do not realize it. The Mayers should give up that 14 percent of land… it’s the only thing that makes sense and shouldn’t even have to be asked.
@@aaaaaaaa1655I know the American Indians had to fight for their land but America blocks black people from getting what is supposed to be theirs. I don’t understand the hate that exists for black people.
I pray they do I also pray that when they do that other people can make these same steps and that we can rebuild this country to what is capable
I agree with you my ancestors came in on the cotilda and the ships before that last one. As my uncle tells the story. My great grandmother was born in georgiana Alabama in 1904 her mother was brought to Alabama on one of those ships. I have all the records of my family's lineage in Alabama all the way back to the late 1700's I would love to go to Alabama to find my family's burial site. And see where they use to share crop and live
@@MsTeelove07uh
Bravo, families, for taking these steps and for letting us into this dialog. I'd love to keep informed about how it all goes.
It’s pleasing to the heart to see people come to the table and have a discussion without malice. I just don’t understand why some people have an issue with Black American who are descendants of slaves receiving reparations. Black Americans have tried for a long time concerning this issue, but have been ignored for a long time. This country has given reparations to other groups except for Black American. No one complained about the Native Indians receiving reparations!! President Biden wanted to give $500,000 reparations to families that were separated at the border during Trump’s administration! That was a major slap in the face of every Black American.. We all see how this government jump over hurdles giving Venezuelans and those who come across the borders everything which the taxpayers have to foot the bill for. That placed them in the Black communities first!! There are other groups being affected negatively by President Biden’s choices. But it will hurt the Black Americans far greater!
They benefited from the acts of the grandfather.
And still benefiting
They are not responsible for what happened. Slavery was normal at that time.
The truth will set you free. Please look into who was driving the ships and who owned them that brought your people to this land. You might find out it's not who you think it is. That is all. Have A Blessed Day~
@@ronnie2699he must’ve been doing some great work if his family still benefiting today. You mad? 😂
@@jerickzaneYou've said this on EVERY COMMENT!!! WTF does THAT HAVE TO DO WITH IT?!? NOTHING!!
How many Highways, Chemical plants, Lakes etc... broke up "African Towns." all over America.
Exactly that’s how they get us sicker and sicker.
Or Central Parks and Wall Streets.
thank you for sharing the forgotten history with us. wish them all the best.
i called the interstate being built through the center of town, absolutely heartbreaking
When she held that cane and the way she thanked them n gave it back TEARS😢😢😢❤❤
I yelled break that bihhhh. But forgive my Ego!! But i was hurting for Auntie😢
That was a test to see if the descendants were angry black people. The nerve of that lady to actually bring that cane is disgusting.
@@sallyspoonsdell9526 Exactly what I thought. I think it was very distasteful. Merciful God. 😏😔
Same.
They were asked to bring something of their ancestors past. They didn't bring it to cause pain. It was a relic.
The Meaher family needs to set up educational scholarship programs and neighborhood projects to give back to the people of Africatown.
One of the main reasons why CRT is so hated it exposes history like this!
Not for me and many others. I learned about slavery in high school and college.
This way put together very skilled fully with deep thoughts this is a true starting point keep going.
My mother is from Tuskegee and I wish they shared with me their history. I will however confirm I am a natural born fighter and warrior. I'll embrace it as being the spirits of my granny and ancestors living within me. God bless everyone. History can't be erased only repeated if not learned and healed. 🙏🏾❤️
I visited Tuskegee back in 2008 when my aunt died. Why are alot of businesses boarded up?
@@janetphillips2875 They went out of business. I was there September 2022 and it's like a ghost town. I went by the Commodore's Studio (Museum) it was closed.
Tuskegee is a historical small town with rich soil, but the history speaks for itself. I still have family there, and my granny house is along the lake.
It's sad to see that the powers to be are letting it go as if it's not worthy of being kept.
Opelika is the next closest town for shopping, dining and I guess socializing.
Did you go to the Tuskegee Airmen Museum?
@@janetphillips2875 I forgot to mention Tuskegee University is the only action there when school is in session. Other than that it's people doing the best they can. 🙏🏾❤️
Well they didn’t
My grandmother and grandfather’s side of the family is from Tuskegee. I know I still have cousins there. I have often wanted to visit.
Really great story. Loved the respect on both sides. Loved Anderson's questions. And most of all, I loved that this story was told, on national tv on a well-respected, reputable show. I'm irritated that I have lived for many, many moons and this is the first time to learn about this history. This should be taught in school/university. The first I ever learned about the Black Wall Street massacre was 2 years ago ~ 100 years after it happened. Would be great to have an online course, for credit, that delved deeper into Black American experiences. It would be even better if it was a mandatory GE course.
I'm in the same boat. At 32, I graduated with a bachelors of science and have since learned so many things that were taught to me Wrong or completely left out!
I MAJORED in SOCIOLOGY!
There's a lot to get caught up on with the way we teach.
💯
Humans may try to hide and lie about the horrors of our history, but when we do this, it destroys us.
@user-Mimi622 I wish I had of. I graduated from the UofM, Flint. I'm 57 and was able to have 2 living sets of great grand parents from B'ham, Alabama and Watervalley, MS. I remember learning about this via my paternal great grandparents....
What was your take-away from what happened in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the Greenwood area? I ask, b/c I was surprised to see Joe Biden at the 100 year ceremony talking about White Supremacy.
Wow. Deep. I just hope the positive steps keep pushing forward so healing the deep wounds can get smaller. god bless them. Watching from Ireland
Anything Anderson host, I’m watching. 💜 Thankyou Mr Cooper!!
Whats even SCARIER is that the Mayher family is selling the land back to the city INSTEAD of just GIVING it to the decendants....HELLA SCHETCHY
Go look at that family in Huntington Beach, Ca. They truly screws the family over in gong back the land.
No reparations. If they weren't brought to America, these people wouldn't be born or be living in some hut in Africa. They have it good.
Remember their kind TAKE, THEY DO NOT GIVE!!
What’s sketchy about it?
Give them the land back…
God bless these 2 women, they're not hiding from what their Ancestors did, but tackling it head on. They truly exhibit real character, and maturity. Keep doing what's right, ladies. America is watching, and can be proud of your example.
My heart goes out to them to have to carry the weight of my ancestors
Everyone has ancestors that did people wrong at some point. This is documented throughout human history. Making this people sit there and be guilty is evil. When is 60 minutes going to West Africa to sit with the people who are descendants of those who sold other black africans to the white european slavers?
What about the generational weight that blacks have carried. I don’t concern myself with that. You all are still living off the programming of making sure they are comfortable. STOP IT ALREADY!!! My goodness.
What about the ancestors of Africans who enslaved other Africans ?
The Democrat Party will be puckered. That's for sure.
Absolutely love this the wanting to understand how things are done and saying we are sorry on our ancestors part is beautiful and taking ownership of where things went wrong is absolutely beautiful wish we could all deal on this level of understanding move forward to make things right with each other ❤
Professionally handled. Well done.
The echoes of slavery and apartheid still linger today, those on the receiving end of the negative ramifications of these systems, I.e. black people, vicariously experience slavery and apartheid through the systemic structures that still oppress black people
Can’t listen to this for 2 minutes without tears, chills, and an intense emotional response. I do feel shame as an American for the fact this country was built on evil, horrendous, behaviors of slavery. I also look at this as an opportunity to learn, not to shy away from the truth, to build connections like these 2 families are doing, and to try to make things right in some way instead of continuing to ignore, deny, and allow the same abusive behaviors to continue for yet one more generation.
@user-j3 the ones responsible for committing those atrocities along with their offsprings should repent earnestly before God returns to collect His people, and deal with the wicked. Asking for reparation will not work because those who are benefitting from the sinful proceeds do not want to surrender their gains, listen to them talking about how long it will take to correct the wrongs, they have no intention of giving back anything. Talk, talk talk until Kingdom comes, that's their aim.
Some of my ancestors owned slaves. I can't repent for something I didn't do.
Their sin isn't mine...but it becomes just that if I refuse to acknowledge it.
Push for reparations. There was a time when Sitting Bull (indigenous) knew what was bout to happen when ( too many) Europeans came to visit.
@user. do you read the bible? we are the israelites. europeans will have to pay for the mistreatment of Gods chosen people
@@pamelaoliver8442The sins of the mother and father follows the children, therefore whether you was responsible or not you need to repent, and ask for forgiveness on behalf of your parents and your repentance will be considered. Peace.
I just visited Africatown this past weekend. The entire place STILL looks dilapidated and run down. I haven’t seen any economic development there or any semblance of construction except for the Africatown Heritage House. I met with Mr. Charlie L. Keeby, a direct descendant of the Keeby’s who were enslaved on the Clotilda, and learned a great deal. Much work is yet to be done there. On the other hand, I did feel a sense of great pride in the descendants who still live on the Plateau/Magazine Point as more people are being made aware of the rich history of that place and learning about the sheer determination and resilience of their ancestors. I hope to return soon, to learn more, and contribute in any way I can. The area should be a national historic site as well as a thriving community. I also hope that the Meaher family, and the city of Mobile will keep its word in helping to solidify relationships with the people there and bring about real socioeconomic change in Africatown. 🙏🏾✊🏾🖤
Back in the 60's my father was stationed at Brookley AFB. Mobile ALA. I was a kid about 11 yrs old. I believe. My Dad had a friend that worked on the base that was from there we went to visit him and had dinner with the family. He told us all about this families history. It was a rich experience one I will never forget.
When the granddaughter held the cane of the man who enslaved her grandmother, my heart just broke. The crushing weight of that suffering is incomprehensible. If we are the country we want to believe ourselves to be, it is past time for turning from uncomfortable truths, it is time to start listening and collaborating the building up of families that have had so much stolen from them.
The problem is they don't want to listen or collaborate with blacks, but are somehow able to make SOME progress with jews and natives of the land..w jews being the only real priority bc they are white..
You said everything except the word reparations. I will say it for American Descendants of Slavery ADOS demands slavery reparations for a debt owed for free labor
Thank you for putting this into words for me.😢😢😢😢😢
@mfax1000 agreed. We wouldn't be in this civil unrest if America had actually apologized for slavery and made amends for their transgressions against blk ppl. Instead we get gaslit and accused of wanting handouts by the same pll they're trying to eradicate our history so that future generations will be blind and dumb 🙄
@@mfax1000Yes!!!
As African Americans this is the story should be told over and over again! It should been front page of every newspaper. We should move on from past mistakes by acknowledging the mistakes and reconciling! Otherwise we are making the same mistakes as the people we blamed and leave it to our children.
It should be taught in school it should be made mandatory. This is american history
Imagine a person like this stuck in a past that they never lived in and demanding guilt from people who had nothing to that and expecting money from people who never did them any harm.
reparations the only answer. Anything else a lie
You african?
Start by admitting who made the first transactions, and it wasn't white people
Beautifully presented, thank you. Thanks descendants and African pioneers.
Thank you, for this information.
This was one of the best 60 minutes yall have ever done. I really enjoyed listening to their stories. Blessings of God to all of the descendants.
It takes a level of maturity to watch this and not get emotional
Maturity does not equate emotionality
I’m in tears may the lord rest their souls
Repretriation is reconciliation
No words ur correct. Apology accepted but pay up
I’m getting goosebumps
How poignant on the part of everyone present, how beautifully done that these concerns were important and addressed by the Meaher family. The caring & compassion present at this meeting is where real healing for everyone begins. This could easily be an example for all to follow. It would have been interesting to know which tribes these enslaved people came from and see these descendants reconnect with that part of their ancestry as well.
Maaaaan I started crying before I even saw them sit down to talk 😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔 It's like holding in your emotions and then finally letting them go because somebody gives you a hug and asks are you okay. 😭😭😭
Baby by time they were helping at the food bank I was no good 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I loved the Maeher's response in terms of helping Africatown to thrive and building relationships ❤❤❤
I pray one day USA and Africa start to work together more to bring these families back together respectfully and this needs to be worked on together ❤️
As a West African, I couldn't agree more
That's a wonderful idea. People need those connections. They need to see and understand where they came from. It can give a persona a sense of pride. 🙏✍
@@earlofmar7987 ofcourse and they have families that deserve to know if other relatives still exist today
@@east_coast_ceo1070 That would be wonderful. I think with all the technology and record keeping, they could get really close. They kept some really good records at the Gold Coast Museum.
I'm waiting for The Heavenly Father to bring His Justice to the World 🌍🌍🌍 Amen!!! One Great Thing He Is Always Working!!! He sees it all and He is Able!!! Amen!!!
I love Anderson he has such a gift to meditate these type of difficult things. These two Ladies must be so nervous because they could lose a lot of their wealth that they inherited. There are so many unknown and known stories like this that have accumulated wealth that will never admit to share wealth with the descendants of slaves. Some will give a verbal apology thinking that is a reasonable solution. But if the shoe were on the other foot they would fight tooth and nail to get the assets they felt belonged to them because in reality the generational wealth has added quality to the lives of the families who benefited from slavery. This is a very difficult situation to be in no doubt. God Bless the men and women who can be brave enough to make amends of the complexities of the past. Thank You For Sharing.
Not really that difficult. If I came to U with millions of stolen dollars and U know I killed, wrecked and ruined 100 souls for U to have it…would U still take the money? 😳
The difficult part is admitting the wrong that was done and taking the responsibility of being vulnerable to try to make amends. I do understand what you mean though, people should feel conviction and want to correct error but in reality most won’t because most are more concerned about their own welfare not others.
@@gabbysgospel Yes, I hear U. The wrong is part of public record now, it’s a well known fact. Struggling to deny the truth then will become the present day crime.
Anderson is a Vanderbilt. The Commador most likely did some bad things making his millions
1st Time Watching & Subscribed To This Channel!
Thanks you for sharing.😊
For the Meaher family to give/donate the rest of the land, which they own in Africatown, would be a huge thing! Land has value in, both, monetary value and family roots value. If I heard right, the Meaher family still owns 14 percent of the land in Africatown. I don't know if the rest of the Meaher family would agree, but giving back the land would be a wonderful thing. I guess Anderson needs to do a follow up on this story. We all want to know how this will turn out. This was a VERY interesting story.
They're still making money from the property, they ain't gonna give it up!
What’s the purpose of giving back the land. Without resources, the land will not be developed. Most of the population has moved out to a better life . Scholarship and educational opportunities will be much better
Mind-blowing….how many thousands of other families all across this country have a similar story, have been similarly impacted. One can try to look away, but it is what it is…x thousands upon thousands. But this was 1 step, & the longest of journeys begins with 1 step….
And don't know it. I don't think white ppl understand what it's like not knowing where you came from, who you belong to.
Omg 😮 such a powerful story. I'm speechless. I hope there can be some healing as times goes by.
you guys did something so great and unbelievable. I could not hold my tears. Well done, and kudos to Anderson Cooper leaership on this.
I salute both sides of the table for sitting down, & just talking to one another. 🙏🏿
This is the conversations we need to have as a nation
It’s too late, the slavery narrative has been completely hijacked. It’s completely dishonest.
I think most people realize that Democrats were the purveyor's of slavery and that they attacked the country.
No conversation can make up for the atrocious acts done to blk ppl in America or anywhere in the diaspora
@@mars6541Yes! I say the same!
@@mars6541I know I couldn't be there because I don't want their damn apologies!
This makes me so livid.
Same! And so much was left unsaid. It was kinda frustrating to watch
I think every person involved in this meeting is a hero. Very few people these days could take on a discussion like this and remain calm without blaming others. It was like a meeting between people rather than adversaries.
God bless all their souls. No person should ever have to endure such inhuman circumstances and journeys. It is such a disgrace!
Yes and we have learned from history.
Amen. The inhumane treatment of their ancestors is one of the many chapters of history that millions of white Americans would prefer to ignore, or at least revise.
@@judd442009 I'd like to see you correct your statement. You are blaming a slavery on America. It was not America. America never legalized slavery. Only one political group owned Slaves. That was The Whig Party. These were rich elitist friends of King George 2nd & 3rd of England. But he was a German King. The English people hated them. The Whigs, turned into the Anti-Federalist's, then the Democrat Party of today.
@earlofmar7987 you need to brush up on your history. Slavery WAS legal North and South until Northern states began outlawing it before the Civil War. This means at one point members of different parties owned slaves until it died out up North. Slavery was legal in Southern states until outlawed by the 13 Amendment. During the life of the Confederacy slavery was also legal and was included in many southern states articles of secession as a reason for leaving the Union. Pertaining to the Whig party there was a Northern faction which gradually became anti-slavery, and a southern faction that was pro slavery. When the Whig party was dissolving in the 1850’s the northern faction gradually joined the Republican Party, which was the liberal party at that time, and the southern Whigs joined the Democratic Party which was conservative at that time. The Whig party ceased to exist at the beginning of the Civil War. Southern Democrats remained conservative until the mid-twentieth century when Southern Democrats began leaving the party to become Republicans because of the National Democratic Party’s taking more liberal stances on national issues such as Harry Truman’s desegregation of the military after WWII and civil rights reforms. Strom Thurmond, from my home state of SC, was a Southern Democratic segregationist who broke from the Democratic Party in the 1948 presidential nominating convention and formed the Dixiecrats, a party that believed in segregation and upholding Jim Crow laws. Thurmond eventually became the first Senator to leave the Democratic Party to join the Republican Party and he was followed by every other conservative Southern Democrat. Eventually the Republican Party became conservative and the Democratic Party became liberal, which is the way it stands today.
@@lewstone5430 Don't forget this was a English Colony for 163 years. So, what you are speaking about slavery, it is an institution, that is practically excepted world wide, except in Scotland. The Founding Father's did everything they could to legislate and tax slavery out of existence. You may call it "legal", but it was fought on the Floor of Congress, every year, trying to wipe out the English Plantation owner's old ways. Yes, states have "States Rights". And they were the ones, fighting against our Federal Gov't. I know ppl love to use these terms "Liberal" and "Conservative" to try and confuse and boost their argument. That would fool some, that don't know the deeper meaning of the terms. But in my estimation, they don't apply when discussing Slavery. How can you even call someone who owns slaves a "Conservative"? These are a group of people that derive their wealth from forced labor? Your post was doing pretty well, until you tried to float that BS about the Dixiecrat's leaving the Democrat Party. After the Republicans, drug the 1964 Civil Rights Bill over the line and Codified it, two Dixiecrat switched. One Senator Thurmond and one Representative. The REST remained Democrats and voted Democrat. Vice President Hubert Humphrey, who was a friend of mine, ran for President after the 1964 Civil Rights Bill was passed. Gov. George Wallace, ran as an Independent. He got 48% of the Southern vote. Nixon won by a hair. The Democrats are the most evil organization on the face of this earth. They are more Communistic in every since of the word. As for my knowledge of Slavery. One of my great grandfathers was an Abolitionist. And a Great Uncle, was Lincoln's Chief Spy Master. Just a wee bit of history.
Thank you for sharing this Documentary, it's much appreciated. ❤😢
I love their responses 🎉❤ this is open godly enlightening energy
This is good outcome. As Indians we find very heartbreaking when British ballantly say they are not sorry. Most British are rich and live lavish lives based on what their ancestors looted from India.
Most of them are in hell now!!!
America has not dealt with these issues adequately .
This is amazing
How many white Americans died to end slavery after the Southern States seceded to try and keep it going? How much money did the North expend in prosecuting that bloody war? How much did they spend on the Freedmans' Bureau and all of the welfare programs since then set up to specifically help black Americans? How many decades have they implemented Affirmative Action to discriminate against whites and Asians on behalf of black job applicants, black loan applicants, applicants to colleges, etc.?
They won’t. If the US were to even visit the idea of reparations or something similar to reconciliation, the US would be in debt like Hell! The USD would be worth mere pennies
@@itsdogpaw No, it would be the beneficiaries of Westernization (including those whose ancestors were enslaved -- originally by other Africans, mind you) that would be indebted to such a degree that they'd be penniless if they attempted to repay it.
In any event, the idea that the United States hasn't "dealt with these issues adequately" is absurd. The Civil War was the costliest war in blood and treasure to the United States. Then there was all of the welfare efforts specially targeting the former slaves (from the Freedmans' Bureau onward) and the half century of pretty much official reverse racism (since the Johnson Administration).
@@itsdogpaw Not actually. Automation will eventually provide a surplus for the economy. There will at least be a Universal Basic Income because of the expendability of human labor. The idea of reparations on top of UBI will be revisited at that time. Study this.
Very hard conversation. The descendants of the kidnapped people looked mostly to the interviewer and not the kidnapper descendants.
No reparations. If they weren't brought to America, these people wouldn't be born or be living in some hut in Africa. They have it good.
This is the perfect story to be made into a movie and the proceeds given to the family of Africatown.
For some reason, Anderson Cooper just did not sit right with me concerning this particular topic🤔🧐
As a journalist, he has to ask unbiased questions. It gives people the opportunity to take control of the narrative in how they answer them. That's old school journalism. You don't find too many interviews like that nowadays.
Excellent interview Anderson, thank you. Please follow up with another episode.
Anderson’s family the Vanderbilt’s had slaves and benefited from owning them. Ironic isn’t it?
I am glad to heard this history. I would interested see how these families are doing in 10 or 20 years.
Wow. What a great piece. I wish everyone in the country could see this.
I have been researching the Cotilda for a few years now and read Barracoon, a book based on Cudjoe Lewis. I so want to go to Africatown to visit the museum there. I am so sorry what happened to this people's ancestors and thank them for elevating and sharing their stories. Love from Ireland x
This is heartbreaking, but maybe something great will come from this. 🙏
Something great did come of it - they met at a small table. The rest will begin to sort itself out. Both sides seemed open to what may come.
Yeah not likely. 😢
Just more blacks asking for free money. Thats what will come.
Wow! Meg and Helen are amazing women who are truly beginning on making a difference and it’s refreshing to see such sincerity in their initial efforts. The descendants of Cotilda are incredibly intelligent and levelheaded about what reconciliation truly looks like.
I pray an equitable reconciliation sets precedent
Principle of theft by taking
Wage theft
The “handouts” were from free labor of their ancestors that was stolen by Meahers greedy ancestors. Don’t let the ops narrative intimidate you from asking what’s rightfully yours!
Africantown should benefit from their ancestors labor!
Yes, Meg and Helen are brave to come forward, but I think they could have researched more these families' situations.
If be interested in knowing what the family conflicts have been up to THIS conversation. I've only just recently discovered that part of one of my grandfather's family were slaveholders in Virginia which is totally bizarre considering every other line, except this ONE line were either immigrants, lived in the North and ALL of my maternal grandmothers lines were Quakers who participated in ANTI-slavery activities and I'm guessing were part of the Underground Railroad.
@@andriamsimpsonrussell One of my Great Great Grandfathers was a Quaker Minister from Norway. He was an Abolitionist that smuggled slaves on the Underground Railroad up to Indiana. He was a giant of a man. His name was Jessie Alan Bogue.
i really respect them. i remember watching the documentary and was saddened by them not being more involved
This is AMAZING!!! ❤❤
This seemed like a hard conversation, but the descendants had it. They are role models for others to have similar conversations. We will all be stronger when we face these truths.
I mean the difference was they were asking for money and land from the great, great, great grand daughter of someone, for an act that no one witnessed is alive today. The list of demands grew rather long after recognition of ancestors and their actions. You can't tell me to pay my dad's debt that I saw him sign much less ask my grandkids too. It's also, give or take 100 years hundred years, past the statute of limitations, the estates have been finalized legally, Makes sense doesn't it? My great grandpa was beat at 8 for telling the police where he put sugar (for moonshine during prohibition) as a child but..... I have no effect from it.... The American dream is to shape your own life, not blaming others a century later. There was a time for this talk when everyone was living, now no one alive is responsible or should be blamed.
@@MR.Drowsy158 , thank u for having common sense!👍🏼
Speak for your self my family never had slaves. They didn’t migrate to US til 1905!
All good people, everyone's heart is right.
@@MR.Drowsy158 That's easier said, but descendants of Diaspora Enslaved Africans are still experiencing system racism as we talk. Also, the descendants of enslavers are still benefiting from Blood, Sweat, tears and pain from Enslaved Africans as we talk (via systemic racism).
I love this. Reconciliation is a start. ❤ Hopefully, we will see more meetings of this nature throughout this country. It's overdue and it's needed.
All this hidden evil is being exposed. The time has come for reparations, and maybe some healing can begin.
Loved this!!! I’m from Birmingham I need to take a trip to Mobile
What about economic restitution? An accountant and lawyer sitting on family wealth built on the backs of slaves says a lot.
I was thinking this the entire time. 🎯🎯🎯🎯I believe this is the main reason this conversation is not had nationwide. Too many don’t want the wealth disturbed while still benefiting from it.
There’s no way I would pay for one of my great grandfathers sins who stole my great grandmothers money, cheated on her and others. My dad grew up without much and I paid my college. You don’t know if these two women went through their own hardships. You can judge them. Give them credit for trying to do something - they can choose to do nothing. The people that sold the slaves to the American criminal that owned them are the guilty ones - they were the evil culprits not these women or the next generations. Never look back or feel like a victim - work and build on your own and wait for no one to give you anything or you will get crumbs or nothing.
Trenton Huntley, what if the Maeher family lost money on bringing the slaves over? Do the descendents owe them restitution? I documented that the Maehers lost money on this particular boat of slaves in an earlier post. In any case, people who have never owned slaves don't owe anything to people who have never been slaves.
@@TheCanalZone what I need you to do is read your comment out loud. Then, if it still doesn’t trigger a eureka moment, find and impartial acquaintance and read it aloud to them.
@@trentonhuntley9966you make suck a great point. I’m a white man from upper class family. I now realize how privileged it is being white and especially having family wealth. Wealth just stays in the family while many African Americans never had that and are starting from scratch. I agree we need a national discussion about reparations.
Weather or not this family is held accountable for the actions of their ancestors, they certainly will continue to enjoy the financial gains, status and opportunities, derived from labor at the expense of the suffering of those enslaved people and their descendants.
African tribes are the ones who sold blacks to the Portuguese Traders which then sold them to many different countries. Do you equally care about the descendants of African tribes to also be held accountable? Do you equally care about the descendants of Portuguese Traders to also be held accountable? You should because they are definitely more responsible for the root cause of this slavery.
You've been watching to much CNN.
@@NTJediwe talking about united states devil
@@ShawnWest-gi9yq United States was only one of many countries with slaves and the USA was one of the first to end slavery. Sure you want to focus only on the USA because actually holding the people accountable which was the source of slavery means facing the truth.
@@NTJedi naw we talking about the United States I don't got nothing to do with other countries history f that
This was truly a remarkable story❤
The African diaspora is very touching and heartbreaking my Grandmother told us stories for years until she passed. It's unbelievable it's heartbreaking it's HISTORY, that should never be forgotten. Thank you for bringing this to LIGHT❤❤❤❤
@@MySultrySoundsAn African and damn proud of it!
We arent africans !!!! We are foundational black americans !!!! Native to the americas!!!! We been here