Just curiously trying to put together the pieces of a time when African-American people weren't considered people only property; a means to an end - money.
History, Plantation, Food and Drink
I find it interesting that most US caucasions view all African Americans (past and present) in a negative light. As an educated person, I know that not all caucasions owned slaves, they couldn't afford to purchase the labor. I do believe that African Americans should be treated fairly and equally. If said person does something that dimishes trust, that's a different story.
It must be nice to know when your ancestors came to the US. It must be nice to be able to trace your ancestry to before the American Civil War. However, most African Americans cannot trace their history any further than a great grand parent. In case you're wondering why, it's because of that economic institution that allowed farmers/plantation owners to make money - slavery. Because of slavery, negligent record keeping, hiding history, and attitudes of the time period, many African Americans don't know whether they are descendents of freemen/freewomen, freed colored people or slaves. For those people who are fortunate enough to be able to trace your ancestry, cherish it.
I stumbled upon this site while looking up some information on slavery. I think it's very interesting and I'm sure there is a wealth of information about Virginia (even though this is specifically in reference to Monticello) and some of its practices & laws during that time period.