I was lucky to grow up surrounded by relatives—grandparents, aunties, uncles, and more—with stories to tell and a willingness to share them. Through these conversations, I learned that I was the descendant of slaves and that my grandfather’s grandmother lived her life in bondage.
Knowing our history is important. That’s why the @HGMedia film Descendant on Netflix means so much to me. It tells the story of the descendants of the survivors of the Clotilda, which is believed to be the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the United States.
I’d love to know if there is an ancestor of yours who has influenced your life. Join the Descendant Challenge by sharing photos and more about your family history using the hashtag #DescendantChallenge. I can't wait to hear about your story, too.
@MichelleObama This is my 4x great-grandfather. He was born in slavery. In North Carolina, a school was recently renamed after him because of his work in the community. #DescendantChallenge
@MichelleObama Why not use you voice, and influence to push for reparations for descendants of American chattle slavery instead of some challenge that is all inclusive, which undermines out restorative justice claim for Black American Freedmen
@MichelleObama To bastardize a justice claim and political movement, diluting it into a social media challenge while so many #ADOS are suffering throughout the United States, is beyond repulsive.
@MichelleObama @netflix But did you consider that not knowing the ending to 1899 will haunt me for the rest of my life? #Save1899
@MichelleObama It’s beautiful to think that we are the accumulation of all those who came before us! 🧡 If you want to know more about your descendants, MyHeritage can help you discover them.
@MichelleObama Mrs Obama hi queen may I share this beautiful rendition of the detroit youth choir and myself inspired by Dr.king god bless you n family
@MichelleObama My 4th great grandfather was murdered by Native Americans in 1774 while plowing his fields. Pennsylvania state officials have since erected a statue of the killer. Great memories. #DescendantChallenge
@MichelleObama My 3x great grand parents, Victor Theophile Haydel (1835-1924) and Marie Celeste Becnel (1840-1885) were both born enslaved on the @WhitPlantation. The couple who would become the ancestors of the African American Haydel family. #DESCENDANTChallenge @Participant @HGMedia
@MichelleObama My ancestor King Mathgamain of Ireland half brother of Brian Boru making me distant cousin to Queen Elizabeth.... not really an influence but it really shows how small the world is