Kathy Miner
Madison, WI
My father’s mother’s family proudly claims an ancestor who signed the Declaration of Independence. At some point, as an adult, I realized that since he was from Virginia, he must have owned slaves. I have since confirmed that fact. I try not to let it interfere in my friendships with black people, but it is a thought that will not quite go away.
On the other hand, my great-aunt and grandmother both quit the D. A. R. the same week that Eleanor Roosevelt did, and for the same reason, so maybe I should appreciate the attitudinal change over the generations. I have never, EVER understood how people could possibly think they had the right to own other people.
Thank you for undertaking this important project.
