Reflections of a Prodigal Daughter
By Lisa B. Thompson | @DrLisaBThompson | with thanks to NewBlackMan (in Exile)
Monday, September 10, 2018.
My new play Monroe is dedicated to my maternal great uncle, Aubrey C. Holmes, the gentlest man that I have ever known. He grew up the son of a preacher in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, the site of the fifth highest number of lynchings in the US from 1877 to 1950. It breaks my heart to know that my maternal relatives came of age in a city steeped in violence against men and women who looked like them. Just like my grandmother, mother, and father, my Uncle Aubrey moved to the San Francisco Bay Area during the Great Migration. I still wonder how he remained so kind and caring despite coming from a place mired in such horror.
Growing up in California in the 1970s did not shelter me from racial violence. When I was a child, I discovered my father’s copy of Ralph Ginzberg’s 100 Years of Lynchings. I felt both aghast and fascinated by the numerous accounts of those killed “at the hands of persons unknown.” I also recall overhearing stories about “trouble” back home during Sunday morning breakfasts of grits, eggs, bacon, biscuits and fresh squeezed orange juice while the San Francisco fog rolled in.
As a new professor, I poured over the lynching photos in James Allen’s Without Sanctuary but my mind did not linger on the vicious white mobs that brutalized black people. Instead, I imagined the family and friends of the victims who were also terrorized by these heinous crimes. How did they survive, love and dream in the aftermath of such agony?
I find it remarkable that my parents and I never spoke directly about lynching. I just stored what I overheard, read, and saw deep inside me. Those images are intertwined with my curiosity about my family choosing California as their destination when they fled the south for a better life. I’m the cousin, niece, grandchild, and daughter of those who abandoned the south for the west coast. Now, as part of what is considered the reverse Great Migration, I’m raising my son in the south. I wonder what stories he’s storing inside his soul as a black boy growing up in Texas and what he will eventually do with them?
During rehearsal, I carried a list of all the lynching victims in Monroe with me. I needed their names near. I pray that this play honors their lives and their memory. I hope thatMonroe inspires us to more bravely encounter what Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison describes as “unspeakable things unspoken.” Here’s to speaking the unspeakable, listening to history, and imagining a better future.
***
Lisa B. Thompson is a playwright and a professor of African & African Diaspora Studies at UT Austin. She is the author of Beyond the Black Lady: Sexuality and the African American Middle Class and the playsSingle Black Female, Underground, and The Mamalogues. The world premiere of her new play Monroe runs September 7-30, 2018 at the Austin Playhouse.
Hi my loved one! I want to say that this post is awesome, nice written and include almost all significant infos. I’d like to look more posts like this.
wonderful points altogether, you just gained a new reader. What would you recommend in regards to your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?
Wow, awesome weblog format! How long have you ever been running a blog for? you made blogging look easy. The full glance of your site is excellent, let alone the content material!
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thanks again
You made some clear points there. I did a search on the topic and found most guys will go along with with your site.
Just desire to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your post is just nice and that i could suppose you’re a professional on this subject. Fine together with your permission let me to seize your RSS feed to stay updated with imminent post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.
Wonderful website. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you in your sweat!
You have remarked very interesting details! ps nice web site.
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & help other users like its helped me. Great job.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
I?¦ll immediately clutch your rss feed as I can not to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly allow me understand in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
Some truly interesting information, well written and loosely user friendly.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my users would definitely benefit from a lot of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Appreciate it!
I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂
I like this site because so much useful stuff on here : D.
Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information specially the last phase 🙂 I deal with such info a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thanks and good luck.
I am happy that I found this weblog, just the right info that I was searching for! .
I am curious to find out what blog platform you’re using? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest site and I’d like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any solutions?
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I?¦ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.
Some times its a pain in the ass to read what people wrote but this site is rattling user pleasant! .
Thanks for this fantastic post, I am glad I discovered this internet site on yahoo.
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Very interesting details you have remarked, thanks for putting up. “I don’t know what you could say about a day in which you have seen four beautiful sunsets.” by John Glenn.
Good write-up, I?¦m regular visitor of one?¦s website, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
Great line up. We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you have done a fantastic job on this topic!
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
I carry on listening to the rumor talk about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i acquire some?
I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
There are actually loads of particulars like that to take into consideration. That may be a nice level to carry up. I offer the ideas above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions just like the one you deliver up the place crucial thing shall be working in sincere good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged round things like that, but I am sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Both girls and boys feel the influence of only a second’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.
You actually make it appear really easy with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be actually something that I feel I might never understand. It kind of feels too complex and very huge for me. I am taking a look ahead for your next post, I will attempt to get the hold of it!
I think this is among the most important info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is great, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
I liked as much as you’ll receive performed right here. The caricature is attractive, your authored material stylish. however, you command get bought an edginess over that you want be handing over the following. unwell indubitably come more until now once more as exactly the similar nearly a lot regularly within case you protect this increase.
As a Newbie, I am constantly browsing online for articles that can aid me. Thank you
After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I am very glad to see such magnificent information being shared freely out there.
I was suggested this blog by means of my cousin. I’m no longer certain whether this publish is written through him as nobody else know such targeted approximately my trouble. You are amazing! Thank you!
Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.
Only wanna comment on few general things, The website layout is perfect, the content is really superb. “To the artist there is never anything ugly in nature.” by Franois Auguste Ren Rodin.
You really make it appear so easy with your presentation however I in finding this matter to be actually something that I believe I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and very wide for me. I am having a look ahead to your subsequent put up, I?¦ll try to get the hang of it!
Hello my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing, nice written and include approximately all significant infos. I’d like to peer more posts like this.
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you really know what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my web site =). We could have a link exchange agreement between us!
I got what you intend, thanks for putting up.Woh I am thankful to find this website through google.
There is apparently a bunch to realize about this. I feel you made certain nice points in features also.
Hey! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the fantastic work!
naturally like your website but you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to inform the truth nevertheless I will surely come again again.
I think this internet site contains very fantastic composed written content articles.
I enjoy the efforts you have put in this, thankyou for all the great posts.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100 sure. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it
Sweet web site, super style and design, really clean and apply pleasant.
hi!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate more about your post on AOL? I need a specialist on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
Thanks for another excellent article. Where else could anybody get that type of info in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.
Great work! This is the type of info that should be shared around the net. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. However think about if you added some great graphics or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this website could undeniably be one of the very best in its niche. Great blog!
I am impressed with this site, very I am a big fan .
Merely wanna say that this is handy, Thanks for taking your time to write this.
I believe you have remarked some very interesting points, regards for the post.
What i don’t realize is in reality how you are no longer actually a lot more neatly-favored than you may be now. You are so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this topic, made me for my part believe it from numerous varied angles. Its like men and women are not fascinated unless it is one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs nice. All the time take care of it up!
Its good as your other posts : D, regards for putting up. “Reason is the substance of the universe. The design of the world is absolutely rational.” by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
There are some interesting time limits in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There may be some validity however I will take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish more! Added to FeedBurner as properly
Hey There. I discovered your weblog the use of msn. That is an extremely well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.
You are a very intelligent person!
I’m so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
Woh I like your posts, saved to my bookmarks! .
Hello, Neat post. There is a problem together with your site in web explorer, might check thisK IE nonetheless is the market chief and a large portion of other people will omit your wonderful writing due to this problem.
Simply wanna remark that you have a very decent website , I love the design it really stands out.
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m trying to find things to enhance my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
I just like the helpful information you supply for your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and test once more here frequently. I’m moderately certain I’ll learn many new stuff proper right here! Good luck for the next!
Perfect work you have done, this website is really cool with good info .
Enjoyed looking at this, very good stuff, regards.
Good info and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thx 🙂
Hello, you used to write magnificent, but the last few posts have been kinda boringK I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!
A formidable share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing slightly evaluation on this. And he in truth bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If attainable, as you change into expertise, would you thoughts updating your weblog with more details? It’s highly useful for me. Large thumb up for this weblog publish!
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & help other customers like its helped me. Good job.
I do agree with all the ideas you have presented for your post. They’re really convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for beginners. May you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
What i don’t realize is in truth how you’re now not actually much more smartly-favored than you may be now. You are so intelligent. You understand therefore significantly when it comes to this matter, made me personally imagine it from so many various angles. Its like women and men are not fascinated until it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always deal with it up!
Way cool, some valid points! I appreciate you making this article available, the rest of the site is also high quality. Have a fun.
Utterly indited content, Really enjoyed reading through.
Thank you for sharing with us, I think this website really stands out :D.
I just couldn’t depart your web site prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info a person supply for your visitors? Is going to be again frequently in order to check up on new posts.
Thanks for another great article. Where else could anybody get that kind of info in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such info.
I like this site very much, Its a rattling nice post to read and obtain information. “Oregano is the spice of life.” by Henry J. Tillman.
Thank you, I have just been looking for info approximately this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I have found out till now. But, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you certain in regards to the supply?
It’s laborious to search out knowledgeable folks on this topic, however you sound like you realize what you’re speaking about! Thanks
I went over this internet site and I believe you have a lot of wonderful info , bookmarked (:.
What i don’t understood is actually how you’re not really much more well-liked than you might be right now. You are so intelligent. You realize thus significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!
I’m not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this information for my mission.
Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
An fascinating discussion is worth comment. I believe that you need to write extra on this subject, it won’t be a taboo topic however usually individuals are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Your style is so unique compared to many other people. Thank you for publishing when you have the opportunity,Guess I will just make this bookmarked.
I’ve recently started a blog, the information you offer on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.
Thanks for every other informative web site. Where else may I am getting that type of information written in such an ideal method? I’ve a project that I’m just now operating on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.
What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & assist other customers like its helped me. Good job.
Thank you for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such information.
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your website in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a huge portion of people will miss your excellent writing because of this problem.
Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your website in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a huge portion of people will miss your great writing because of this problem.
I actually wanted to jot down a simple comment to thank you for these superb secrets you are writing at this website. My extended internet research has now been compensated with good quality content to talk about with my friends. I would believe that many of us readers are rather lucky to exist in a fantastic community with many awesome professionals with very beneficial opinions. I feel quite grateful to have seen your web page and look forward to some more fabulous moments reading here. Thank you once again for all the details.
Thank you for every other wonderful post. Where else could anybody get that kind of info in such an ideal method of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such info.
I visited a lot of website but I believe this one contains something extra in it in it
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thanks
You are my inhalation, I have few web logs and often run out from to brand : (.
I besides think thus, perfectly pent post! .
I really enjoy looking through on this web site, it has excellent blog posts. “The secret of eternal youth is arrested development.” by Alice Roosevelt Longworth.
My brother suggested I may like this website. He was once entirely right. This put up actually made my day. You cann’t believe simply how so much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
Rattling nice style and superb content, nothing at all else we need :D.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
Very clear internet site, thanks for this post.
Very good written article. It will be useful to everyone who usess it, as well as yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – for sure i will check out more posts.
Thank you for another wonderful article. Where else could anybody get that kind of info in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such info.
Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your website is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and just could not come across. What a great website.
Its great as your other content : D, regards for putting up.
Some truly interesting points you have written.Aided me a lot, just what I was searching for :D.
An attention-grabbing dialogue is worth comment. I feel that it is best to write extra on this subject, it may not be a taboo subject however usually individuals are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Appreciating the time and effort you put into your website and in depth information you provide. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
I am no longer positive the place you’re getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend a while studying much more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful information I used to be looking for this info for my mission.
Hello there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading through your blog posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Appreciate it!
You can definitely see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. At all times go after your heart. “In order to preserve your self-respect, it is sometimes necessary to lie and cheat.” by Robert Byrne.
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing somewhat analysis on this. And he the truth is bought me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If doable, as you change into expertise, would you thoughts updating your blog with more particulars? It is highly helpful for me. Large thumb up for this weblog submit!
You are my inspiration , I possess few blogs and infrequently run out from to post : (.
I like what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and exposure! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve included you guys to my own blogroll.
Its great as your other posts : D, thanks for putting up. “Say not, ‘I have found the truth,’ but rather, ‘I have found a truth.'” by Kahlil Gibran.