My Family History

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My family history is one volume of American History that began eighteen years after the declaration of independence. Ironically, freedom did not come to my family until hundreds of years later. It’s a story that touches all periods of America’s History. Slavery, sacrifice and determination are the themes of the Wilson and Rigsby history. My family did not immigrate to America for a better life. They did not consider America as the home of promise. Upon their arrival, they did not bend to kiss the ground or thank God for leading them to this great land. No, my family history in America began in bondage. However, the bondage was only physical. The spirit and mind was always free. It is true you cannot tell a book by its cover. My cover is Markesa Brianna Rigsby, however the chapters within my book began long before the name. My legacy is from an African slave to a martyr for freedom to a determined spirit. Though there were many events that shape my history, these are considered the mold. To understand me one must understand my legacy. They are the stories of an American slave, martyr and a broken dream.
My great, great, great, great, great grandmother was a slave. At the young age of 15 she was forced to leave her native land of Africa and start a new life of bondage. She was not able to pack her favorite doll or pictures of her family. Unlike other immigrants, she would not arrive at Ellis Island and be warmly welcome by other family members that arrived before her. On the contrary she would arrive in America scared without anyone to ease her fears of being in a strange land. She would never see her native land or family again. There would be no letters home encouraging other family members to rush to come t...

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...ans, women and youth exercised their right to vote in record breaking numbers” (Rigsby).
My mother’s family is just as fascinating. They are beginning to investigate the oral story of being related to the infamous chemist Joseph Priestley, discoverer of oxygen. However, that will be another story to tell at another time. The legacy my ancestors have left for me is strong and rooted in faith. Our tree limbs have withstood the horrors of slavery, pain of assassination and the crushing of a dream. My ancestors passed down to me a thirst for knowledge, the power of the vote, and to always have dreams. Generations to come will excel all because of the foundation set by Grandmother Pheby, Cousin Medgar and Grandfather Dr. John Rigsby. Yes, my cover says Markesa Brianna Rigsby, but please don’t stop at the cover, the chapters within are so much more exciting.

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