The Haunting of Bluefield Plantation Quotes

“As I drive back to Bluefield, the dusty yellow sunlight fractures as it passes through the trees. Nike’s voice plays melodically in my head like a stuck song. Opinions aren’t heritable, Lou. It’s blood money. White people like you… She’s right. Before returning to Bluefield, I never considered my privilege. I never thought about what it means to come from a white, middle-class family. But I’ve rejected that privilege, haven’t I? I don’t use my skin color to get ahead in life. Nike’s voice, now a product of my imagination, says, Not consciously, at least.”
― Alexandria Clarke, The Haunting of Bluefield Plantation

“Maybe he only accepted the land and rejected the rest.” “That doesn’t make any sense.” “It’s blood money,” she says. “Would you want it?”
― Alexandria Clarke, The Haunting of Bluefield Plantation

“Not at all,” she says. “Opinions aren’t heritable, Lou. Just because some random guy way up your family tree owned slaves doesn’t mean you support slavery, right?”
― Alexandria Clarke, The Haunting of Bluefield Plantation

“But you don’t look—” “I don’t look what?” Nike challenges with a slight edge. “Black? Mixed? I’ve been hearing that my whole life. Not Black enough to fit in with Black people, not white enough to pass.” She takes a deep breath. “The point is, even today, my dad is one of three Black pilots at that company. Three! The notion that Black people are less smart, capable, sophisticated—you name it—is rooted in slavery. No matter who your family is, you can’t ignore that.”
― Alexandria Clarke, The Haunting of Bluefield Plantation

“Why would I want to be related to a bunch of slaveowners?” I ask. “Would you?” “Of course not. But if you are related to Joshua Ward, you can’t erase that history,” she says. “You can’t ignore your family’s role in slavery or systematic oppression. No European descendant can.”
― Alexandria Clarke, The Haunting of Bluefield Plantation

“You’re pursuing the highest college degree,” I remind her. “How can you relate?” “It feels empty,” she admits. “What’s the point of spending year after year on historical research? I can’t guarantee any of my work will contribute to the future.”
― Alexandria Clarke, The Haunting of Bluefield Plantation

“No,” I say. “That’s impressive. What kind of doctor?” “Ignore her,” Nike says. “I’m working on a PhD in history. I’m not a medical doctor. She gets them confused.” “I’m not confused,” Mrs. Kalogeras insists. “My daughter will be Doctor Kalogeras. What kind of doctor doesn’t matter!”
― Alexandria Clarke, The Haunting of Bluefield Plantation