Thread by @KosherSoul

African Americans we need to have a serious talk about slavery. Some of y'all don't understand why living history is important.

African American interpreters are not doing cosplay of slavery. We are taking control of the narrative. Making our Ancestors 3 dimensional.

We don't just interpret slavery. Sometimes we educate people about WWI, WWII, the Civil War, etc.

But even when you interpret other periods you have to keep in mind slavery was in living memory and it was unavoidable.

This isn't from the 1860s it's from the 2010's. These people, my people, Black interpreters care. We bring the Ancestors to life.

Mrs. Janice Canaday works at Colonial Williamsburg. Her ancestors WERE in Williamsburg in the 1770s. She is proud to represent them.

But Miss Janice has been subjected to ppl who call her Aunt Jemima. Many of them are African American. They don't get it.

We aren't happy slaves. We are educators. We say enslaved not "slave." 1 is an identity the other is a condition.We don't even say, "Master"

My fellow chef Harold Caldwell dresses in historical clothing too. He holds nothing back about the evils of slavery. Neither do I.

I had a catharsis in this cotton field. I listened to work songs while picking cotton for 16 hours. I learned the hard way.

That day almost killed me. I nearly collapsed. I learned to never take my freedom for granted.

But some of y'all are ashamed of me.

Others of you choose to make me into your fears: @cedg_cedric called me a "fat greasy slave."

Another brother suggested I should know better.

But we aren't coons, or Uncle Tom or Aunt Jemima. We are 21st century historians. We love being Black.

called me Uncle Ruckus. Based on what? You're not pro black if you slander Black educators who tell our collective truth.

Here I am interpreting James Hemings. America's first great chef was a Black man. This is our heritage. He died a free man of color.

IF it bothers you white ppl are coming to my defense then you'd hate Frederick Douglass.

Frederick Douglass was married to a white woman the 2cnd time around and was the darling of white crowds. They ate him up.

The 19th century's most well known Black man thundered against slavery and racism while having friends&allies of all colors.

IF Frederick Douglass was alive today some fools might call him a coon even though he was public enemy #1 of slavery+white supremacy.

Some of y'all can go ahead and hate me right now.My boyfriend is white and ppl of all colors dig my work even when I'm totally real abt race

But honestly, our Ancestors bless us because we tell their stories when other ppl run bc of shame, ignorance or fear

But you know what we will continue to be ourselves and serve our people. We don't have to think alike, be all alike, and do groupthink.

Besides baby, if you can't take the heat...then baby get the hell up out my kitchen. #END