Black from the Past | Honoring Margaret Garner

 


 


Welcome to the very first minisode in our  Black
from the Past series. 


Black from the Past is our contribution to
preserving and normalizing Black history.


Here’s where we shine a light on Black women who are often
forgotten,  but have most certainly made an impact on the
Black female culture.


Today’s spotlight is shinning bright on Margaret
Garner, who in one heart wrenching moment slit the
throat of her 2-year-old daughter rather than return her to
slavery.


Tune in to hear an account of Margaret Garner’s
desperate act of love.


Here are few things to ponder while listening:


How far back the dehumanization of Black people date

The depths that a parent will go to ensure her child is out
of harm’s way

The Psychological and emotional effects that Slavery had on
Black people

Slavery being a worse fate than death



Not only have artists and poets honored Margaret
Garner with their paintbrushes and proses, her story was
the inspiration behind Toni Morrison’s novel
Beloved, (also available as an audio book) paper back
the movie Beloved  starring Oprah Winfrey,
Kimberly Elise, and Thandie  Newton, and it later inspired
the 2005 opera, Margaret Garner composed by
Richard Danielpour.


Although indirectly,  Margaret Garner has
made significant contributions to the Black female experience. So
today we shine a light on her, we celebrate her and we honor her.


 



Below are a few links where you can read more about her
story.



https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/margaret-garner-incident-1856/


https://www.npr.org/2010/11/17/131395936/a-mother-s-desperate-act-margaret-garner


https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM2F7K_Stampede_of_Slaves_The_Margaret_Garner_Family_Tragedy_Near_Covington_KY


https://mrroukisela.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/commonlit_margaret-garner-defying-the-fugitive-slave-act_student.pdf




Do you have a family member or know of someone you would like to
see us shine a light on?  Send us an email at
hi@shadesofstrong.com with the subject line Black from
the Past suggestion or hop over to our website at
shadesofstrong.com and leave us a voice message and we’ll do our
best to make it happen.