Highlights of Humanity: The Wisdom of Resilience

written by JERMAINE FOWLER I HIGHLIGHTS OF HUMANITY I MARCH 30, 2023

Dear friends,

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Joy's Mill Pond in Williamsburg, Virginia and meeting Angie and Bill Kane. They shared with me their inspiring story of resilience in the face of adversity, and it left me feeling both humbled and inspired.

Their historic property was under threat of demolition by the Virginia Department of Transportation due to a dam on the site that was built by enslaved people in the early 19th century that was not up to code. The Kanes faced millions of dollars in fines and the possible destruction of a significant piece of history.

You could literally still see the huge hollowed place in the hill near this quarter-mile-long dam, where the enslaved dug and carted out the earth and mud to build it.

The Kanes refused to give up.

As I sat by the water, listening to their story, I was struck by the beauty of the place. The soft sound of the water lapping at the shore, the rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the warm, comforting smell of the nearby pine trees all contributed to a sense of peace. A crane even flew overhead.

But the tranquility was tinged with a sense of urgency, a reminder of the importance of preserving our history and fighting for what we believe in.

Joy's Mill Pond is not only a beautiful spot, but also a site with a rich and complex history. It was once home to a gristmill, which was powered by the water from the pond. The mill served as a gathering place for the community, where people could come together to grind their grain and share news and stories.

But the history of Joy's Mill Pond is not just about the gristmill, but also about the Black history of the area. The dam that was built by enslaved people is a testament to the labor and ingenuity of those who were forced to work against their will. The fight to preserve the property is also a fight to recognize and honor that history, and to ensure that it is not erased or forgotten.

The Kanes' story of resilience is a reminder that sometimes, the most important battles we fight are the ones that seem impossible to win. But with determination and grit, we can achieve the seemingly impossible.

As Maya Angelou said, "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated." Let us take these words to heart and remember that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to rise above it and emerge stronger on the other side.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this edition of Highlights of Humanity has inspired you to embrace the power of resilience and fight for what you believe in.

All the best,

Jermaine

https://www.thehumanityarchive.com/highlights-of-humanity/april-6-2023

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