Rose Morton unravels her family’s history of slavery in ‘Our Family’s Keepers’

Tracing one’s family roots is a journey of self-discovery, but for many African Americans, it’s a path fraught with challenges. The ability to trace ancestral roots has often been hindered by the scarcity of pre-1870 census records, and any records that were kept by enslaved individuals were often handwritten, poorly maintained and lost over time. Nearly four-in-ten (41%) Black adults report their ancestors were enslaved in the United States, according to a 2022 Pew Research Study. One-third (34%) say they are not sure if their ancestors were enslaved, while 8% say their ancestors were not enslaved. Amidst African Americans’ challenge to trace their ancestry, Rose Morton has emerged as an example of the poignant history that can be discovered by finding your roots. In Morton’s book, “Our Family’s Keepers,” she chronicles her ancestors’ story set against the backdrop of the renowned Middleton Plantation in South Carolina. Morton's narrative delves into the complexities of slave life, exploring controversial and dynamic issues faced by enslaved African Americans and their owner and shedding light on the resilience and strength that shaped their destinies. In a conversation with Morton, “American Black Journal” contributor Daijah Moss delves into the intricacies of Morton's quest for identity and the profound impact it had on her and others connected to the Middleton Plantation. Plus, Morton provides a powerful testament to the importance of understanding and embracing history, no matter how challenging or painful it may be.