These Bricks Are Merely A Symbol of America
We recently wrapped up an interesting 2019 Black History Month, and as we slowly dive in to what will be a hot political season, it is always a meaningful act when we can stop and remember what we are fighting for. The hot topic right now is Reparations and which candidates are willing to sit down and discuss this important item, which is a part of the agenda for many blacks. When we discuss reparations, we remember the millions who were forced to work, with no pay, and many with little hope. This is why the discovery of 200-year-old bricks on the Rose Hill Plantation, that have the fingerprints of enslaved ancestors left there by accident, is a solemn reminder of the sweat, blood and tears that have been invested in America – with no return on that investment.
On their Facebook post, South Carolina State Park officials revealed the photo of one brick found approximately 65-miles from northwest of Columbia, S.C. on the Rose Hill Plantation. The park/plantation manager, Nate Johnson, told the Charlotte Observer they have found bricks in several locations throughout the plantation. More of these types of bricks with fingerprints of the slaves who made them, were also found in the plantation garden wall, and another brick was found buried in the garden. The garden itself dates back to to the year 1850. Bricks with prints were found in the chimneys, the foundation, and also the walls throughout the plantation.
South Carolina State Park Services stated:
“During the early 1800s, bricks were handmade, often by enslaved people. Occasionally, their fingerprints were imprinted in the clay as they pulled it from the mold….A solemn, lasting reminder of the people who made their lives at Rose Hill.”
The Proof Is in The Fingerprint
Slaves not only made their lives at Rose Hill – they basically MADE Rose Hill Plantation. Slaves not only made their lives in America – they basically BUILT America. The irony of historians making such an important find, at a time like this in our country’s history is not a coincidence. Their fingerprints and handprints are such an important reminder of the impact African ancestors had on the the actual building of America. These bricks are a literal testament, a firm reminder that without the free labor from enslaved Africans we wouldn’t even have many of the historic structures that we still see today, including the White House.
So as we go into another political season, and the topics of a black agenda, reparations, mass incarceration, education, and anything that is of importance to people of color brought up; I want all African Americans to remember these bricks. Remember these hand prints, and the forced labor that was literally placed on the backs of your families. Then remember that your ancestors gave their lives for this country, and were paid – nothing.
Syllabus Magazine, the Carolina’s source for Music, Culture and Fashion
