'We Were Illegal' examines Texas history through multiple generations of one family
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, Jessica Godot shares her journey of uncovering her family's buried history in Texas. Through painstaking research, Godot discovers her ancestors' involvement in the displacement of indigenous groups like the Karankawa, as well as their participation in brutal conflicts and oppression through slavery.
The podcast episode delves into the dark foundations of Texas, rooted in violence and racism. Godot reflects on how the heroic pioneer narratives she learned growing up glossed over the state's development being propelled by cruelty towards others. She discusses the privileges inherited due to her ancestors' actions, advocating for informational reparations through publicly naming those harmed.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Aug 19, 2024 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day
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1-Page Summary
Uncovering a Family's Dark Past
Through extensive research, Jessica Godot uncovered her family's concealed legacy of involvement in slavery, displacement of indigenous people like the Karankawa, and violent conflicts like the Battle of Goliad, as described in her own words.
Ancestors' Cruelty and Oppression
Godot discovered that ancestors like Sloman Reese acted as slave overseers and opposed abolition. Ancestors like Perry Reese died fighting in brutal battles mirroring the violence inflicted on native groups. Her ancestor Sally Reese secretly bore ten children with Little Berry Leftwich, who had multiple domestic partners.
Texas' Foundations in Slavery and Racism
The inception of Texas and displacement of the Karankawa were enabled by slavery, Godot realizes. Her family's land traced back to Robert Leftwich's property, benefitting from indigenous removal and slavery's expansion. The Texas Revolution aimed to preserve slavery, even enshrining it in the new republic's constitution, as Godot puts it.
Godot reflects that heroic pioneer narratives she learned glossed over the brutality and racism underpinning Texas' development. Her great-grandfather, though not in the KKK, still profited from its racist policies like redlining in Abilene.
Acknowledging Inherited Privilege
Goudeau acknowledges the privileges accrued due to her ancestors oppressing others through slavery and the legal system, disadvantaging African Americans and indigenous groups, she finds. She advocates informational reparations: publicly naming those harmed, like Grover C. Everett who was lynched.
The challenging stories also inspire Goudeau by revealing the resilience of those resisting oppression, she believes. She aims to share a nuanced history incorporating oppressed voices.
1-Page Summary
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Actionables
- You can explore your own family history to understand past injustices and acknowledge their impact today by using genealogy websites and local archives to trace your ancestry and then researching the historical context of the times and places they lived.
- By doing this, you gain a personal understanding of how historical events may have shaped your family's trajectory and your current circumstances. For example, if you discover an ancestor was involved in discriminatory practices, you might choose to learn more about those affected and find ways to support related contemporary causes.
- Start a book club focused on works by authors from historically oppressed communities to broaden your perspective and foster empathy.
- This encourages you to engage with narratives that differ from the mainstream historical accounts and understand the resilience of marginalized groups. For instance, you could read books by Indigenous authors or those detailing the African American experience, followed by discussions on the themes and how they relate to present-day issues.
- Volunteer your time with organizations that work towards rectifying historical injustices to actively contribute to positive change.
- By supporting groups that focus on educational reform, community rebuilding, or legal advocacy, you can help address the long-term effects of historical oppression. For example, you might volunteer at a local museum that educates the public on the history of slavery or at a nonprofit that provides legal assistance to communities affected by redlining.
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Uncovering the hidden history of the author's family in Texas, including their involvement in slavery and displacement of indigenous people
Through extensive research and genealogical investigation, Jessica Godot uncovered the concealed stories of her family's dark past—a legacy involving slavery, displacement of indigenous peoples, and violent conflicts.
The author's discovery of her family's dark past through extensive research and genealogical investigation
Jessica Godot delved into her family’s history and homed in on the damaging actions of her ancestors which had been hidden for generations.
The author's ancestors were involved in various acts of cruelty and oppression
Godot's findings paint a stark picture of her ancestors' involvement in historical injustices, including slavery and the displacement of the native Karankawa people. She learned that Sloman Reese, her great-great-grandfather, acted as a slave overseer in Virginia who, despite the abolitionist efforts of preacher David Rice within his church community, never renounced his support for slavery.
Additionally, she discovered that her relative, Perry Reese, perished in the Battle of Goliad, an event of the Texas Revolution which mirrored the brutality her ancestors, among other colonizers, inflicted upon the Karankawa, such as the Dressing Point Massacre.
Revelations about the author's ancestors, such as the secrets surrounding Sally Reese and her relationship with Little Berry Leftwich
Among the most personal findings was a previously unknown relative, Sally Reese. S ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Uncovering the hidden history of the author's family in Texas, including their involvement in slavery and displacement of indigenous people
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore your own family history to better understand and acknowledge past injustices. Start by creating a family tree using online genealogy platforms and reach out to older relatives for stories and documents. This can help you uncover and confront any historical wrongdoings, leading to a more informed perspective on your heritage.
- Engage in local history projects to contribute to the collective memory of your community. Research historical events in your area, especially those that are less well-known or taught, and share your findings through social media or community boards. This can help raise awareness of the local history and its complexities.
- Foster a personal practice of ref ...
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The role of slavery and racism in the founding and development of Texas
The author delves into the dark realities of Texas’ past, revealing how slavery and racism were not only present but foundational in the creation of the state and its subsequent development.
The centrality of slavery to the establishment of the Texas Republic, which was the only country in history to enshrine slavery in its Constitution
Through personal discovery, the author connects her family's history with the inception of Texas, recounting how her ancestor, Robert Leftwich, who was a relative of Little Berry Leftwich, owned land that became part of their family property outside of Austin. This link demonstrates how the author’s family benefitted from the displacement of indigenous populations, specifically the Karankawa people, and the expansion of a slave-based economy. The Texas Revolution, which led to the establishment of the Texas Republic, was motivated not only by the colonists' desire for freedom, but explicitly the freedom to own slaves, an institution so paramount to the republic that it was explicitly protected in its constitution.
The author's realization that the historical narratives she was taught about the "heroic" Texas pioneers glossed over the brutality and racism that underpinned the state's development
Jessica Goudeau reflects upon the historical narratives she was taught as a child about Texas pioneers. She realizes that these narratives often romanticize the state’s founding while glossing over the racism and brutality that enabled its growth. The pioneers were frequently depicted as embodiment of survival instincts, but their "heroics" were marred by the violence and oppression against both the indigenous groups and enslaved Africans that accompanied their settlement efforts.
The author's recognition that even those who were not directly involv ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The role of slavery and racism in the founding and development of Texas
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore your local history by visiting nearby historical sites and museums to better understand the context of your community's development. By engaging with local historians and examining primary sources, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of your area's past, including the roles of indigenous displacement and slavery.
- Start a personal journal to reflect on your family's history and its potential connections to broader historical events. This can be a way to acknowledge and understand the impact of your ancestors' actions on present-day social structures. Writing down stories, tracing genealogy, and noting historical events can help you see the interplay between personal and collective history.
- Engage in conversations with friends and family about the untold stories o ...
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The author's process of grappling with the consequences of her family's actions and their inherited privilege
Jessica Goudeau takes a detailed and critical look at her heritage and acknowledges the privilege that she has inherited due to her family's past actions.
The author's acknowledgment of the privilege and advantages her family has accrued due to the oppression of others
By exploring her family history, Goudeau confronts her ancestors' roles in slavery and the legal system—actions that have unfairly advantaged her family at the expense of African Americans and indigenous people. Goudeau is determined to present a more nuanced history that incorporates the narratives of those oppressed by her family's actions, not just the celebratory stories of her ancestors.
The author's conviction that informational reparations, such as publicly acknowledging the names and stories of those who were harmed by her ancestors' actions, is a crucial step in addressing this legacy
The author believes in the power of informational reparations, which she defines as publicly acknowledging and saying the names of those who suffered because of her ancestors, like Grover C. Everett, who was lynched in Abilene. She regards these acknowledgements as vital steps toward reconciling with the past.
The aut ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The author's process of grappling with the consequences of her family's actions and their inherited privilege
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Start a personal history journal to document your family's past and its impact on others, focusing on the untold stories of those affected by your ancestors' actions. By writing down what you learn, you can create a record that acknowledges the full scope of your heritage, including the difficult parts. For example, if you discover an ancestor was involved in oppressive practices, research and document the lives of individuals or communities they impacted.
- Engage in community storytelling projects that aim to elevate the voices of marginalized groups historically oppressed by systems your ancestors may have been part of. This could involve volunteering with organizations that work on oral history projects or initiatives that aim to preserve and share the stories of underrepresented communities. Your role could be as simple as helping to record interviews or transcribe stories.
- Create a digital memorial space, such as a blog or ...
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1-Page Summary- Uncovering the hidden history of the author's family in Texas, including their involvement in slavery and displacement of indigenous people
- The role of slavery and racism in the founding and development of Texas
- The author's process of grappling with the consequences of her family's actions and their inherited privilege
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