Yellow Crocus

by Laila Ibrahim

great-great-grandparents had lived at Fair Oaks since its founding in 1690.

James River,

agreed to work off their debt for seven to fifteen years. After that they were to be released and given five

acres of land, a bushel of seed, and the freedom to pursue their own fortunes in the New World.

plantations would not be profitable if they paid their workforce. Thus Mattie’s African ancestors were not turned free or given the means to farm for themselves but held in perpetual bondage after

who were not Christians in their native Country…shall

didn’t share his dream of freedom,

“Focus on bearing, and beauty will follow. Your looks will not remain with you for life. But your bearing will go with you to the grave, Elizabeth.”

“An abolitionist!” Lisbeth burst out. “I declare, I am so tired of hearing that awful word! It is all anyone speaks of these days. I wish we would simply secede and end all this tiresome conversation.”

“It is not my place to know such things! Nor is it yours. Their relations outside this home are not our concern.”

“May I come with you to Ohio? As your wife? I need a husband.

Soon she would be living in a free state and would not have to be concerned with the politics or morality of slavery. She was leaving all this behind.

Elizabeth Ann Wainwright, April 14, 1837 live birth.

Emily.

birth certificate.

That is why I will be moving to Ohio, a free state, where I will not have to be a part of the evil of slavery.”

Neither of you are welcome at my table tonight.”

“The sheriff is here to uphold our rights.”

“Certainly Jefferson meant only the dominant races shall have such freedoms.”