This is a big talking subject right now around the world and it divides people into 2 categories: educated vs uneducated. The arguments still continue to burn (pun intended) and the theories are alight.

For those who don’t know, plantations were the places black people were transported to be slaves, they’d do all the work in the fields, long hours while living in poor conditions, they didn’t get good access to food & water, they’d get tortured if they weren’t good enough, that included beatings and whippings to stay in line. It’s no secret the torture black people have endured and it’s no secret the same attitudes are still around.

The Nottoway Plantation had over 150 slaves, many squashed into tiny residential areas. Exploited to death, some are buried in unmarked graves there with no trace of who they were. Yet, instead of remembering the past, someone came along to “whitewash” it all away as a rebranded wedding and occasion venue. Many people, including celebrities have been there to have their happy days.

Why are people happy it burnt down? They believe that if the history isn’t being acknowledged at all and that the site, like many others are being used for profit, it’s better that it’s gone. It sets the souls of those who died there free, as I heard someone mention.

However, a lot of people refuse to listen to the history and the black people who are actively trying to educate on why it shouldn’t be a happy place, they get called out. Can you imagine if they decided to turn Auschwitz into a wedding venue? They decided it wasn’t worth remembering what happened there? There’d be absolute uproar. Why is it not the same in this position?

I feel glad I grew up being educated about the past in a way that wasn’t whitewashed, it makes me proud to stand with good people.

Another thing, out of everything that burnt, the quarters where the slaves were “housed” still remains.

Sadly, the owner wants to rebuild it and you guessed it, wants to still make money off the location as a venue. Listen to the people, museum is the way forward. No more erasing history!