Description

A 2022 Pulitzer Prize finalist and former Wall Street Journal journalist offers a deeply researched memoir that examines his family’s history of resilience and trauma in the aftermath of enslavement. Blending the emotional intensity of Natasha Trethewey’s *Memorial Drive* with the historical depth of Clint Smith’s *How the Word Is Passed*, this compelling narrative delves into the profound impact of systemic racism and racial violence on one Black family’s pursuit of the American Dream.

In *I Am Nobody’s Slave*, Lee Hawkins unpacks how the legacy of enslavement and Jim Crow shaped his family’s approach to survival and success in America, influencing generations and defining their struggles. On the surface, the Hawkins family appeared to epitomize strength and achievement in their suburban Minnesota community. Yet, behind closed doors, they experienced the psychological toll of racial trauma. Lee Hawkins, Sr. often displayed episodes of rage, leaving his children wary and confused about his fiercely protective nature. Decades later, his son embarked on a journey to uncover the source of his father’s fears and occasional violence.

Through extensive research, Hawkins discovered a painful truth—violent deaths had haunted his family for generations, with white-on-Black murders occurring in nearly every era since slavery. Additionally, the customs and traditions within his family were profoundly shaped by the actions of white enslavers. By integrating genetic testing, investigative reporting, and historical records, Hawkins illustrates the long-term impact of racial trauma and chronic stress on his ancestors’ health and longevity.

This powerful memoir not only traces the history of one family but also offers a broader reflection on America’s racial past. Hawkins demonstrates how genealogical research can serve as both a tool for education and a path to healing across racial lines, revealing a story of endurance, perseverance, and the complex realities of success in the face of historical oppression.