The Chain


& I didn't forget the chain.
It weighs, by our estimate, more than 10 lbs!
It is but a testimony to what held so many Africans, captive on the slaveship. Imagine, being held down by 10 pounds or more of iron?
See, there is an old slave ship chain in Marie's house and we passed it around in between the many visitors, the wine, the chit chat, we passed it around and many of us sat with it, feeling the energy, hearing the silent stories...Imagine, to be held down by a chain, 10 lbs or more. Who stood on the other side of this chain? How many journeys did this chain make, across the middle passage? How many tears fell upon it, only to rust its metal? Who would make such a thing? Think--this chain held men, women and yes, children. Who would make such a thing? We are build upon a nation of heroes...
I feel honored to have held that chain. I think more of us should try to get our hands on one...it brings home the inhumanity, the strength and heroism that is inherent in our people.
No, I did not forget the chain.
To all the descendants throughout South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, the far East, North America...we have indeed come far but there is of course, more work to be done.

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