Portraying An Enslaved Woman - Brenda Parker
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 เม.ย. 2017
- Historic interpreter Brenda Parker from George Washington's Mount Vernon gives us a first person portrayal of "Silla", an enslaved woman who worked on Washington's estate.
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"The sun is shining, all my family seems to be in good health, and I'm still on this side of the dirt."
OMG this side of the dirt is good.
Every time someone comments a quote from I video, I just *happen* to be at that point so as I'm reading it I'm also hearing it and I don't know how it happens *every single time* but it's very cool, indeed.
At what cost is she on this side of the dirt.
LOVE her attitude! 😃
I baffled how someone would consider this a negative light. She is portraying a historical truth. Black people did not voluntarily become slaves. Great job Brenda. I appreciate your emotion without hatred.
EXACTLY what I thought!
Ditto
Same here.
Facts
Yeah, it's a shame their African kings and parents sold them into a life of servitude...
She'd be perfect for narrating documentaries and period dramas.
Why? Nothing about this stands out in any way?
@@dr.lexwinter8604 the whole thing stands out. Very insperational
Yeah. Her enunciation is really good and she has a pleasant voice.
@@dr.lexwinter8604 she has a great verbal countenance and her voice is in a perfect comfortable register. Her voice is beautifully lyrical
This is the kind of thing the History Channel should be showing, things as they were, not a bunch of conspiracy theorists who just stain human history to get famous
ALIENS!!!!!!! IT WAS ALL ALIENS.............. and hair spray/spray tan...............BUT ALSO ALIENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@postalpacifist88 Aliens with a spray tan
The sad thing is this is the kind of thing the History Channel used to show when it first started. The problem is they morphed into what they are now because let's face it, Ice Road Truckers ( or whatever) is what people want to see, sadly.
@@DavidMartinez-ce3lp Now I'm thinking of some unholy combo of little green men and Jersey Shore
Thank you...exactly.
Brenda Parker's portrayal of Silla might be the entire reason I go to visit Mt. Vernon. She's amazing. She speaks and I can feel her and all I want to do is hug her. Keep on keeping on Ms. Brenda.
That was my reaction as well, I just want to give her a big ol' hug. Just found this video today and im sitting here just moved, I want to laugh, cry, and a whole bunch of other emotions. Powerful is all I have to say about this interview.
I now want ot go because of her and just hug her!
@@tth740 Wanting to give her a massive hug was my first thought as well. I wish they had this kind of care and attention to historical accuracy back when I field tripped there in the 5th grade.
She is a beautiful person., inside and out
@Andorian Nationalist you do it, go put your money where your mouth is!
Someone give this woman a frigging Oscar already.
Rica The Hopeful Voluntarist , I know right.
Rica The Hopeful Voluntarist She sounded legit and plays the part like it's HER. Much better than other portrayals. Yes, she should get an Oscar
Rica The Hopeful Voluntarist right?! She is so awesome!
amen
No. Oscars only go to pedophiles and actresses that slept their way to the top with movie producers like Harvey Weinstein.
I've watched an unhealthy amount of your videos since discovering your channel, and while I adore the cooking shows, this video is a next level piece of art - it's absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for sharing this and letting Brenda share her voice about her beliefs and her soul. Just next level work here by the whole team - subject, composition, editing, everything. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this comment!
@@townsends Less cooking, more frontier tools, work, trade, etc. That stuff is brilliant and appeals to all audiences more. I've noticed you've not covered horses, or how integral horses were in that era, perhaps you should contact Engel's coach shop, the infamous TH-camr who has us watching him make wheels at 3am when we ought to be sleeping.
@@townsendsthis is not the real Caroline in 2023 the lady on here the black lady on here just playing a part of the character from the history correct can you answer me please
This is so powerful.. what she said about feeling that her characters are all her ancestors, and speaking for them is letting them speak through her, is very moving.
When Brenda spoke of the "I could never do that", and the getting quieter, "...i could never do that..." and the whisper. THAT was a great analogy.
I'm from England, where living history is a very common thing to see, and I must admit it is one of the best ways to learn about history. To put you right in the moment and see life through the eyes of those who came before, it's almost magical.
Turi Caederynmab I agree. But it’s easy to say that coming from Britain, as I’d go as far as to say that the British have some of the most elaborate and influential histories of any nation globally.
I think emphasizing the human element of our history makes it much more immediate and persuasive. I love re-enactments and living history because it tells the "story of the story" - what we read about and think we know doesn't always illuminate the impact it had on the common human. This makes it visceral, and therefore more important.
So true!
Priscilla's resistance to being separated from her children is understandable on so many counts: they were children, one still a baby, their father was forcibly separated from the family and the children would be left to fend for themselves. In this, Priscilla triumphed, but it made me think-which other mother or father was forced to labor away from her/his children in her place?
The evils of slavery.
That was more common than most think.
That and being "allowed" private property.
“If we don’t speak, who’s going to speak for us?” So timely. So beautiful.
Who is us, you don't look black to me.
That voice is pure velvet
Brenda Parker is amazing. She has the mental fortitude and force of character to portray a time in history that most people would rather forget. Thanks to both Brenda and Jas. Townsend and Son for the interview.
angrychef Thank you for recieving and hearing this message.
Over the last 40 years I have had the honor of witnessing other interpreters doing similar portrayals of slaves and yours is incredible. Thank you so much! I wish I could thank all of those people that taught me so much real history by giving it a human face.From all of those nameless faces that have watched you through teary eyes but were afraid or too overwhelmed to say it, thank you. I'm sad the story must be told but I am glad that it is getting told.
Brenda Parker if we ever meet, I hope you will accept a hug from an old Yankee abolitionist!
Brenda Parker - my daughter and I can't stop watching the episodes with you on this channel. You are an amazing actress and we love your character...Silla is wonderful, engaging, intelligent and an amazing woman!
Katy Wedepohl Kathy, Silla is a secondary "character". My primary is Caroline Branham of whom I am acquainted with her descendants. Research her story. You'd be surprised at life from a different angle. She belonged to Mrs Washington. She and her family never get their freedom.
My hat is off to Brenda Parker. Congratulations to your husband for coming through his illness! He and your kids are blessed to have you in their life!
I love this woman. She makes me cry every time I watch her. I still can’t wrap my head around slavery.
Exactly❗
You are phenomenon: Mrs.Brenda Parker.
Slavery is still going strong anno 2021 in arabic countries. And certain asian parts.
Slavery still exists in many non-white majority countries, but we can't talk about that because whitey can't be blamed.
@@thespicemustflow2956 Because it might offend non whites
As a black woman, I know how you feel when those who do not understand why you do what you do, say the awful things they say. I do things they don't understand too. I spin, knit, weave and crochet and have understood that, enslaved women often did these very tasks in the "big house" and your value was based on what you knew how to do. If you had these skills, you were very valuable. It would be a great deal of fun to portray such a woman who had skills and made things that lasted thru out time..long after you were gone. This was the case with so much work the enslaved in this country did. Keep going "Silla" Tell that story! It needs to be heard!!
Barbara Rickman
Naugatuck CT
Barbara Rickman Thank you kindly.
Brenda, what can I possibly say to you? I am a middle aged white man (yeah...blehh...my type...humans are so cruel about typing each other...and historically when they enslaved people they were even worse). You made me cry (and that doesn't happen much, to let you know!). I shared this video with my entire family. I'm about to send it to my many friends at church. You and I are believers in Jesus Christ and what's in the Bible. Gotta tell you how much I loved your references to faith in this lovely, lovely and most wonderful video. You are talented...in fact...you are anointed. Your heart and soul, your beauty as a person, your representation of history...ohhhh...my goodness. You choked me up big time. You are lovely and wonderful and blessed. Please, please, please keep doing what you're doing. You are helping so many here. God bless you abundantly. -Tom :)
I'm so glad you said this. I crochet, sew, and do a bit of knitting and I've felt self-conscious about it. Though now people are always super surprised you can do all those things lol
Barbara Rickman, if they had a love button in the comments here, I would have clicked it for your comment.
God bless both of my sister's I am a homesteaders of 5 acres teaching my self to knit and crochet and braiding rugs we can learn so much from our great great. Grand mothers if you think about it it. was not that long ago I am 58 and my grandfather was born in 1895 I spent every summer with him. God bless you and yours Jackie in fl
She seems like such a wonderful person. I can't believe somebody would accuse her of portraying her ancestors in a negative light - history is history, and she seems to be doing her ancestors as much justice as anyone could.
Jerry Elliott God bless you for that comment.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brenda Parker I'm over the moon! I lived in DC for 8 years and truly regret not coming out! My heart is full and you brought me to tears! Thank you for telling our ancestors stories. I appreciate you beyond measure.
Bless you Brenda! ^_^
I want to get her autograph..
"I could use some rum about right now." I like this woman. She made me feel.
I appreciate this video so much. As a person with ancestors that were slaves in this country it is painfully beautiful to see her portrayal of these women. The stories of their strength need to be told. It's the ugly part of history but I love how she tells these ladies stories with dignity and grace. It would be great if i could visit this place one day.
I would love to meet you.
She stands on the shoulders of her ancestors. Made me cry when she was describing how 'Silla' escaped to go back to her children. A strong woman with a strong mind.
Thank you for this video.
Your videos lately have been astounding. The gentleman who taught us about the food of the enslaved, the longhunter, and now Brenda have taken the past out of it's museum case and brought it to life.
Brenda is not only a talented actor and singer, she is above all an educator. I hope she is aware that her portrayal of the enslaved woman Silla has probably brought more understanding of slavery and enslaved persons and opened more minds than a whole stack of history books.
I am in awe.
Truly amazing
This woman is a healer..not in the traditional sense..but through her spirit, intent and perspective. She brought grace and power to this character. Brava
👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽
The subtlety in this performance deserves special praise. Of course, no slave would be caught complaining about their lot in life, but around every corner, you can catch the darker edges of her life and the life of a slave. Her ability to portray a strong woman putting on a brave face is incredible.
That accent is amazing. Really brought me into the historical setting.
ebnrong thank you so much. I have been interogated as to my dialect. "Why you sound like that?" "Is that how all slaves talk? It is a choice I settled on. Its working.
You did a great job. Keep it up!
Brenda Parker you are amazing. Thank you
Brenda Parker I'm late to the party but you were amazing. Your performance and emotionally thorough interview guaranteed a trip to Mt. Vernon. Thank you.
I love u Mrs. Parker u were so touching and I would love to come meet u one day. May God Bless u and your family always!
What a powerful interview. I'm so glad you are experimenting with more ways to connect us to history. The cooking is wonderful. But this interview is so real, so powerful, so relevant to our lives today. Kudos to the interviewers, too, that were able to create this discussion. Thank you.
Hearing Ms. Brenda Parker speak was what I needed today. How should could portray a truly strong and independent women, to say how "Silla" inspired and reminder her that she is stronger than she believed, were all things I have been struggling with lately. My mental health has been so negative lately, despite counseling, but her interview, her words were a shining light into my darkness. "Silla" was so positive, despite the horrors she had to survive and live in, how can I too not be positive and hopeful despite where I'm at now.
Thank you Ms. Brenda Parker for portraying and interpreting history the way you did! Thank you Townsends for making her interview and story available to us! Thank you!
The Holiness of humanity is very profound and God's providence would take Evil and create blessings even for all involved today. God is with us all and through humility and faith miracles do exist. Very humbled and very greatful.
She’s freaking amazing I’m so happy she said she wanted our story to be told by us 😊
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Beautiful lady..makes me sad for the history of our country. Have to rem the past so it will never be repeated..
Um, who else would be telling it? I don't think she was ever a white or Hispanic lady so... I do agree however, that she does catch the accent and demure of the times. That is impressive.
She is a wonderful asset for history to have. Her courage in portraying the individuals who have been left without a voice in so many representations of the era should be inspirational for so many others who have questioned whether their voice could lend some sort of benefit to others seeking knowledge. She is awesome in my book!!
Slavery is a evil that should be fall none! - Solomon Northup To those who would think harshly about what Brenda does. History even the bad parts must told. So we don't repeat the bad hopefully. My God her singing is beautiful.
All I can say is THANK YOU and that truth will set you free.
Sad to know, I used to use wage slavery reliant products and its a luxury to afford not to.
Still slavery in Africa and other parts of the world sadly
Trouser Troll
Penal Labor is arguably slavery...
@@cykablyat7393 l
The first time I have cried at one of your videos. Outstanding performance, I had been keenly aware of the horrid struggles of the enslaved from colonial times until emancipation. But Cilla's story was oddly uplifting because of her courage and fortitude despite the hideous circumstances she and her family had to live under. Thank you for posting it.
Look for the story of Maggie Delaney. Heartbreaking, but exceptionally done! I love these women!!!
Her eyes are so expressive. They tell such a different story than her words.
I wouldn't say "different," I'd say her eyes tell the full story behind her words.
History can be uncomfortable because it deals with the truth, as long as we don't deny that truth, we can learn from it. I was captivated by Brenda Parkers portrayal and interview, elegantly and eloquently done, she was passionate and raised many pertinent points and views. A difficult subject to broach, but done really well, many a documentary maker could learn a thing or to from this little 'window'. Well done folks.
I dont know how you interviewed this woman without breaking into tears.. so incredibly powerful.
+Amanda Bishop I'm not sure there was a dry eye in the whole group.
Amanda Bishop We were all boo hooing.
Ms. Parker....do you sing professionally? If so, have you done any recording? I think you have a lovely voice.
you are great. very powerful, poignant and beautifully done. 1st person interpretations are so scary to do, with clothes, mannerisms and accent.. really touched and weepy. thank you!
Sitting here weepy myself and didn't even realize it.
Brenda is a brilliant historical interpreter!
Tell our story! Our ancestors deserve their story told by descendants. I am proud of you. I see you.
LOLOLOL, she's a Coon !
Thank you for such a beautiful interview. It's a story that most are uncomfortable with but it needs to be told. She does such an amazing job. You can feel the balance and struggle when she's in character. The need to express gratitude yet you can still see and feel the pain in her eyes.
Agreed, as a black man and a decent of slaves. I found this video very uncomfortable to watch but its reality. Brenda is a very brave woman. Everybody wants to play Glory not nobody wants to play Roots. Both are necessary and part of the history of the US.
It brought tears to my eyes but it was done the best way anyone possibly could do.
It's called empathy.
Most of us can feel empathy, those who don't should wonder about themselves. It's like a blind person saying no one can see. Some can see, some can feel.
You Sir are the racist, you and your liberal ilk are truly the ones who don't want the truth that you and yours are the most racist people that live in this country. Yeah, its you and yours that burn cars and break windows oh because your sooo open-minded.
wow! This beautiful woman is an amazing and eloquent actor.
I thought so too. Her voice and her expressions have so much emotion behind them. It feels real.
juliedarling75 Great interview and great actor. Not hearing the questions or prompting is nice change. Well done to Jon.
Agreed. Not having those questions really enhanced the interview.
I LOVE her!!! I think if my history class involved walking around and listening to people like her, I would've learned so much more. We need to do this in the education system.
Bonnie Woodring I'm Australian but you could be right. "History is about dead people" and sounds boring or dull. Some of these monologs bring individual stories and events to life.
As a black women, I am so grateful that she is speaking for us. what an amazing women she is. if we don't speak about us who will. So i say think you for giving us a voice and truth
I appreciate that the guys at the beginning and end really gave her the spotlight she deserved, and just were there to express their appreciation of what she is doing, and use their respective platforms to draw additional attention to the amazing work she's doing.
This was one of the best videos I've seen from your channel, it was moving, fascinating, heartwarming, and gave such a clear and interesting insight on what it's like to be a living history actor in real life, interacting with the public - I would love to see more videos like this, and especially on how the public react to living history, what questions they ask and what interests them. Thank you for being brave for us with the upload button!
Ms. Parker's beautiful portrayal shows pure, unadulterated truth. Truth can be painful. Many of her critics may be speaking from a feeling of hurt, not only about what the enslaved had to endure, but from the realization that these critics really have nothing to complain about after all. Thank you so much for this history lesson in counting our blessings.
Agreed, for so many families slavery was a reality. The United States was built on the backs of marginalized peoples. It's difficult to talk about, but we shouldn't forget because race relations are still rough to this day. We can't change the past but we can make a better present and future.
If we want to connect with the past, this... this is just what we need as a learning tool. Not just to get the facts, but to actually get into the shoes of those that lived it and empathize with them. To show the humanity behind them. This is far more powerful than Hamilton could ever hope to be. Hamilton wants to be such but it's so polished and revisionist. This is real, more grounded. Ms. Parker's performance of Silla brought her back to life for the benefit of those here in the present. Just amazing and truly humbling.
Thank you so much.
@@brendaparker3107 You are so welcome. And thank you for the amazing work you've done. ❤
As another reenactor/Historian, she is stunning her character both in and out are amazing. Our community is lucky to have her
Anthony Abrams Thank you. Where d you work?
Nothing brick and mortar I am a member of the National Civil War Association 2nd Mass Voluntary Cavalry Co A "CAL 100" i serve as a historian in residence as the historian in residence at Mare Island Historical Preserve and Naval Cemetery. I've done work at Fort Pointe, Fort Alcratraz, Benicia Arsenal and cemetery, and Angel Island. Nothing as impressive as your pedigree, just put a colonial regular together though
Thank you so much for this. We must remember that the enslaved peoples helped build America and make it what it is. Though it is painful to remember, we must not discredit the vast contributions and sacrifices that the enslaved made to this country and we must honor them with respect. This actress / re-enactor is a treasure.
I admire the enslaved living their way of life, yet getting the best out of it.
Who built it? Ваша преданность очевидна.
They did it unwillingly but now it's part of history. It is a shame and embarrassment that even today african americans are treated with disprespect in a lot of places. They were the ones who built a lot of the foundations, unwillingly
Halley DeVestern: I 100% agree you.
She needs a permanent role on TURN and more. She's a treasure.
Unfortunately AMC Turn: Washington's Spies series has been cancelled. 😡😣😠😤
James Richardson it wasn't cancelled, it just reached it's end
I guess I can understand people being hesitant about re-enacting difficult parts of history. However, I believe that by inspiring empathy and knowledge in others, it helps ensure mistakes of the past are not repeated.
Brenda seems like a wonderful woman and fabulous re-enactor. I was greatly moved by this interview, especially as I lost my husband last year to cancer, so I can appreciate the personal pain she has been through on her husband’s health journey. I hope her family remains safe and well now.
Thank you to all involved in the making of this video xx
I Love Her Acting She Should Get Recognized ❤️💯
Brenda, you are amazing to watch and hear. You have an infectious laugh, lol! I loved your analogy about that part in the Bible about the bones. I pray that your husband continues to feel better! And thank you, James Townsend & Son YT channel, for bringing this history to us. Watching and hearing this is sooo much more interesting and watchable than reading it in a book! 🙂 If I could ever go there, I definitely would!
Jon, I was having a hard time with why living history, I mean there is so much else to do. But, this interview absolutely made me realize why it is so important. It is amazing how someone I would have never otherwise talked to has affected my thinking so eloquently and quickly. You are definitely covering all the lose ends that were missing in the whole living history arena. Keep going.
Unbelievable how she conveys so much emotion with such tiny changes of her expression. It really doesn't feel like she's playing a role. She's by far the most amazing actress that I've ever seen.
Ah what a lovely woman, that laugh is a joy to hear, truly. She's doing great work as well.
I think if I went and saw her at Mount Vernon I would cry. Thank you so much for sharing your ancestor's story.
Lshannon90
??
Why? That is silly as hell.
This is so important. In England we don't have this connection to the past because it happened over there so we down play how wealthy it made us and concentrate on the industrial revolution. The comments here are so positive and respectful of a past that is hard to look at.
England too was big into slavery
@@TheOriginalFishPond slaving has never been a worldwide phenomenon, although it is wider spread and more prelavent now than at any another time in history and it seems with less being done about it.
@@byronhamilton8021 civilized? Still waiting for that to happen.
Slavery is more prevalent now than at any other time in history.
@@byronhamilton8021
The material reality of slavery can only exist within structured societies, so no there wasn't slavery before civilisation.
Lmfao no.. It’s as simple as, I force you to do something and if you don’t I’ll punish or kill you. You don’t need any structured society for that.
That woman is a gift for living history…She should never be discouraged by the detractors.
Y'all made me cry. Thank you for sharing these stories ❤💔❤
I love this, I am a huge history buff. This isn't white guilt this is history there is a difference,it is important to remember that.
lets get squanchie amen
lets get squanchie I think this was a good idea for them to do and I find it annoying how people are calling things racist when allot of its history (a crazy history anyway)
I agree people are just looking for a reason to be angry
I don't see what is the problem with guilt. Guilt stops us from repeating past mistakes. Guilt is good.
Marquis Forneus true but people arw being over dramatic with that guilt now
That was very moving. I didn't expect it to be so moving. She seems to be an amazing woman, dealing with everything that life throws at her and doing so with utter grace and kindness.
Her laugh and smile are simply infectious.
She is truly Amazing! Thank you, for doing this interview, makes me smile, laugh and cry!! Just, thank you!!!!
she's such a beautiful and intelligent woman!
This was a very brave interview for Brenda to do and for JT and Son to put it on. In these unenlightened times people are afraid to see the truth of history, or anything else for that matter. Well done guys!!!!!
OMG! I love this woman! She is amazing, strong, sweet and has such a spirt! I cried with her when she spoke of her blessings. What an amazing woman!
celticgoddess81 me too!!! 😭
Me too😢
Her portrayal and storytelling are beyond beautiful. Her description of how the voices of her ancestors dying out with apathy moved me so much.
Such a moving interview. It's so important for these stories to be told, especially with so many people out there "sick of hearing about it". This was a great video, I'd like to see more like this!
NicoNicoleinTokyo people are so ignorant...cant erase history & you shouldnt even try
NicoNicoleinTokyo LOL
NicoNicoleinTokyo Thank you for not minimizing what is still painful for my people. I appreciate you. Shalom 🙏🏽.
Most of the people so say they're sick of hearing about it are sick of hearing it from people who feel they deserve something because of what happened to ancestors they never knew. It's used as a crutch and a weapon. In the context of this video, I love the story. I love hearing of our old history both embarrassing and amazing. George Santayana said - "those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it." learning is one thing, being bashed over the head with it is another
@@SedatedByLife Some common realistic sense.
Brenda had me weeping, too! Well done! Just thinking of the slaves' situation chokes me up. And how its echoes resound today.
Her shift of emotion at 2:00 is incredibly profound. That wince of contempt after mostly seemingly grateful reflection says a lot about the complex evils of slavery: even the things one enjoys and experiences “freedom” in has been granted with permission from an owner.
Sorry if this comment is too over analytical, but I couldn’t help but expressing my praise for her truly transcendent performance.
Giving a voice to the historically voiceless with such talent and grace must undoubtedly echo in the minds of anyone visiting.
👏❗
Thank you for noticing. I appreciate it. Be well and stay safe.
Brenda Parker you too!
It was nice getting a comment from you.
I hope my family someday gets to experience one of the people you bring to life at the estate 😊
Excellent, excellent... Thank you so much for allowing us to partake in such a special interview.
This was such a beautiful interview. Between this and the Longhunter interview it's really opened my eyes to the living history community.
Thank you Ms. Parker for this profoundly moving interview. You reduced me to tears. What a testament to the human Spirit of these precious people in our past, to survive and find joy in the midst of such degradation. thank you for bringing this life for all of us today
Very powerful to watch. One of your best episodes to date. Thank you for sharing this part of our history :-)
Brenda, you are a true hero of a gem that has a powerful voice!!! To retell the stories and to give a voice to those stories and to give young & old alike a glimpse of how people lived that aren't here to tell the stories, here you are telling the stories of the past is humbling and eye opening. How could you not be affected, I was in tears!! What a learning experience that your giving that you can't get from a textbook. Thank you!! Please keep doing what you're doing!!! 💙
Thank you for this interview. I hope we make it to Mt Vernon while she's there, amazing woman.
This woman has incredible insight. Such a fantastic teacher as well. I have a feeling this is only the beginning of great things to come into her life.
God Bless you Ms. Parker!
What an amazingly powerful presentation - from start to finish! Thank you so much for what you do, Ms. Parker, and thank you for presenting this video, Jon and Kevin!
Absolutely amazing!! One classy lady! I was moved in such a positive way.
What an emotionally powerful episode. I was in tears. All I will say is I love you Brenda. I could listen to you and learn from you for hours ♥
It is so important that we keep our history alive and not forgotten or worse erased. Thank you to Brenda Parker, Townsends, and all others who strive to document, preserve and pass on lessons of what life was like in the past. This was an amazing and moving portrayal of an enslaved woman. God Bless!
You honor your ancestors by speaking for them. That is the pinnacle of honoring them. Well done and I appreciate your love and strength to keep them alive.
Wow, I would love to see another interview with Brenda. She is amazing, and gives a whole new view.
It's honestly shocking to see such a life portrayed with such a jolly tone. It gives a peek at a time when such inhumane practices were normal, and that's seriously scary. I really appreciate this video, we shouldn't forget that lives like these were forced to build a nation that excluded them.
I sit here. With tears running down my face. What a wonderful representative you are for your culture. We can all learn much from your presentation, things like love, empathy and humility. Traits we should all strive to have I thank you so very much for your words from the past and now.
That shocking reaction is what brings forth that moment of clarity that changes how people think. It very much disconnects you from what you've learned and been told all your life, and that is what makes people like Mrs. Parker so valuable to our nation's history. The truth is hard to understand, and so it becomes forgotten because it is always easier to forget, but people like Mrs. Parker bring us face to face with the past and brings us to reconsider what we thing we know, so that instead of forgetting, we see things in a new light.
In order to survive oppression, one must have hope. If one has hope, one has joy. Joy isn't a "haha happiness." It's not the feeling you have at a party. It's not the feeling you get when you have a good time. That's not joy, it's escapism, a denial of reality. No, joy is deep down inside your soul. It's the certitude that life is inherently good and *I* matter. What I do is important. Silla rejoices in her children and she sees a future for them.
So much wisdom here! Brenda, it's OK to be weepy. :-) Thank you for your transparency. And thank you for bringing us this excellent portrayal of a painful but real aspect of our history and for giving your ancestors a voice.
What a remarkable woman, history brought to life with her talent. Her voice is amazing, I could listen to her sing all day. These videos are great! Thank you so much!
i so respect this woman for doing this and the pride she has for her heratige.
Super video mates, big up to Brenda for having the guts to take this role, and good luck taking it to the next level..nuff said..nice..
She is playing a part man, in re-enactment, give her a bit of love instead of hate..
sneekylinux Who's giving her hate?
Some guy in the comments mate
sneekylinux Thank you kindly.
You are s beautiful spirit, and a fabulous actor. OK, you made me cry. Hugs!
Serious kudos for keeping your ancestors' side of history alive. You are amazing and I hope you continue to be blessed. 🤎
Wow, she is absolutely wonderful. I love this channel but this is hands down my favorite video I’ve seen. Thank you so much Brenda for your incredible work and for your courage, and Townsend and Sons for producing and highlighting this story. She is such an inspiration.
A great reenactment. Although one can't help feeling sad for those who really were enslaved and never got a taste of freedom even though they helped build the country that cherishes that right so much...
Thank you. Brenda is so well spoken and clear in expressing the people she portrays as well as her self. I enjoyed this greatly and hope Brenda learns how much we appreciate her work. Please keep sharing this kind of material.
Tell Brenda that she is doing a great service not only for herself but for those of us who had no idea what went on and how people might have felt back then. Truly informative. Thanks for sharing.
What an amazing and powerful woman Brenda is! I applaud her courage and her desire to share the depth of history and give voice to these stories! So profound!!! Brenda, you are so strong and so awesome to share this with the world!
I never would have expected such an intense video to come out of this channel. Really enjoyed this one.
What an amazing woman! As a recent visitor to Mr. Vernon, we were impressed with what those folks there have done to take great care to accurately take you back into the time period when Washington owned the plantation, and what was involved in all that was necessary to oversee and run his business ventures. What doesn't fit with today's culture, fit the time period of what went on back then, right or wrong. It's history, and she's right, it needs to be told, and she does an amazing and important job in doing so!
Stories like this are important to be told. Thank you for being a great TH-cam show!
This is one of your best videos. As much as I love the cooking, I adored this even more. Brenda you are amazing and I think what you're doing is so needed and valuable.
What an incredible actor and what a wonderful story she is telling.
Wow, this actually made me tear up :') this was so inspiring, thank you so much
Watching this gave me goosebumps. So very moving.
Ms Brenda is amazing. Her storytelling brings history to the present, and in a very real/physical way. All people doing living history are doing this. It is intensely important. This channel proves just how important history is to so many, and just how interesting it can be. Thank you Townsends, again, for bringing us such fantastic interviews, cooking, and all the content on this channel. Ms Brenda has made me want to go back to visit Mount Vernon- I haven't been there since I was a child.