Viilliere: A Short Story

landowner of the plantation L’Abri in the ante-bellum south of Louisiana, is confronted by a family secret that has been hidden from him, even into adulthood.

The story is told by Mike Tidwell, a man who chooses to hitchhike down the Bayou, catching rides on stranger's boats who he has never met before. He started on his exciting journey, not knowing what would become of him. Relying on strangers kindness, and a great deal of luck. Throughout the book the author travels down the 'Baya', as the Cajun people call it, and meets many people of Cajun background who call this place their home. The Author's main purpose in writing this book is to share with the world the lifestyle of these Cajun people; and how their home is disappearing before their own eyes. He wants to call attention to the rising problem of the disappearing marshlands, with the intention of slowing down the

Charity wished her grandfather had talked more about his family; however, he wasn’t much of a talker about family and such. She wondered what and who he’d left behind when he came to America- Now, that her grandfather was dead, she would never

"I didn't even bother with doing it, I don't know why you did," she said. Emelie giggled.

He told her that in the middle of June they were sent to a place called Gettysburg where they were involved in a large campaign and took part in a battle that took place the first few days of July. He said that in all the campaigns and battles he’d been involved in, Gettysburg was by far the most intense- thousands lost their lives there… He also told her that he and John knew about their father’s death and that he was sorry she had to go through the loss without her entire family around her. He did not want her to worry about him and John; he said that they would make it through. Charity was glad that Charles sounded so positive. She often wondered why she could see some things and not others. Her ability to foresee events close to her had never been keen; however, it seemed that Charles had inherited that ability along with his ability to walk the winds… and, whatever other abilities he had… She would have to ask her grandfather, about this… Realizing just how little she knew of Charles’ abilities caused her a pang of guilt; it had been years since the two of them had had a real heart to heart

Kimberley S. Hanger, Bounded Lives, Bounded Places: Free Black Society in Colonial New Orleans, 1769-1803 (Durham: Duke University Press, 1997).

One of the most unique things about New Orleans particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries where this image is derived from was race and racism. People were excluded or included, considered inferior or superior based on the race they belonged to. To this end, Indians, and African Americans were classified on the lower end of the race totem pole while whites were seen as superior. Furthermore, one’s stance in society or occupation was determined by their race. The whites were majorly businessmen and land owners presiding over big farms that they owned. The blacks and the Indians were mostly peasants ‘owned’ by the white people and forced to work on the farms of the white people against their will owing to the fact that they were imported from their original residences as slaves (Appleby, Eileen and Neva 18). It is, therefore, clear that race and racism played a significant role in helping define New Orleans as we know it today. Bringing racism to the fore provides a platform upon which it can be alleviated to help

“Bread,” he grunted. She handed him a piece, took one for herself. He took a couple of bites before

The history of slavery in the United States is a complex one full of many riveting characters and interesting events. Historians have spent extensive time researching slavery and its effects on the country from its institution until its end in 1865. One popular organization was the American Colonization Society. The society was founded in 1817 and had branches in all major areas of the United States from 1822 to 1913. The society found supporters in many different individuals. One of these characters is a Louisiana slave owner named John McDonogh. Contrary to the norms of the time, John McDonogh formulated a plan to free a select number of his slaves that would then be sent to colonize Liberia. I propose to look at the impact John McDonogh has on the Liberian colonization movement in Louisiana, the contributions he made to slavery as an institution in his local area, and the lasting legacy that he has established in the New Orleans area. .

Faced with the stark realization that her life is changing and she has no control of that change, many thoughts run through young Charity’s mind- she even contemplates running away, but doesn’t want to leave her grandfather alone.

“...Then you were mighty polite to do all that chopping and hauling for her, weren’t you, boy?”

However, Charity soon discovers that her grandfather is on a mission to get her married off and settled somewhere because of his advanced age. Sensing that his time is near, he doesn’t want to die and leave her alone and desolate.

Claudia’s gaze chilled. “And why, may I ask, do you feel obligated to do that?”

Someone tapped her shoulder lightly and she looked over to find Octavia giving her a weak smile. “Here,” she said, offering her one of the roughly made cups that they had made at some point.

The smell of fresh herbs filled the air around her as the sun shone down on her back, a sense of tranquility fell upon her in the lush, backyard garden. A soft tune could be heard from inside the house where the radio played. Tante Lou hummed along to the music while she snipped off sprigs of parsley to use in the meal she is preparing for her nephew, Grant, and his guest. Today was a special day. It’s the first time Tante Lou is meeting her nephew’s girlfriend, Vivian, and she wants to make a wonderful dinner for them all to enjoy while getting to know each other.