How We Got Over

After the Civil War, many formerly enslaved people left Louisiana and moved to the North or out West in search of better opportunities.
This is the story of those that decided to stay behind in West Feliciana parish.
Their success in the post-war world and the unbelievably difficult times ahead hinged on the impact of education and one man - John Dawson - and those that believed in him.
Hard work and new industry eventually propelled African Americans in West Feliciana to a level of prosperity not seen in many of Louisiana’s communities. It’s a story that has many Black Louisianans looking back on the challenges and wondering just exactly, “How we got over?”

[@TrueStoryTia]

Sadly my uncle Vincent passed away November 22nd💔🥺 I was so grateful to finally watch this, as it’s been greatly anticipated . Watching so bitter sweet , but thank you all for sharing🥹❤️

[@CSM.HBJ-Dogg]

RIP Cousin Vincent, Rip Mrs Smith . Shout out to Shawn for showing me how to play drums

[@dorothykendrick8495]

Glad to say, Vince saw the documentary before he passed and loved it. The producer.

[@TrueStoryTia]

@ I’m so glad to hear this 🥹 thank you for sharing

[@CSM.HBJ-Dogg]

@@TrueStoryTia Where is Kimo at

[@TrueStoryTia]

@ she works for Angola..: her daughter is my sister

[@Sharon-c6i]

The good things in life don't cost money! God bless 🙏 🖤 black Americans!!

[@CSM.HBJ-Dogg]

Seeing my Grandmother sing 😢. I miss you Mae Davis

[@hajeevibes]

So much unnecessary pain, suffering, misery and oppression...no real apology, no reparations to repayment...and many are trying their best to make things go back to the way they were. 🤔 I think thats what some would call 'evil'. 🙏🏾🌏💚✨️🤸🏽‍♀️

[@cmoe2780]

Great information about the railroad in Saint Francisville I didn’t know about the history of it. Just recently talked to my 95 year old grandmother. She told me that they moved to Shreveport from Saint Francisville, because of a better opportunity working for the railroad company in Shreveport. I had always wondered why they moved so far.

[@Siriuan]

Watching from South Africa with wonder how your stories relates to some of our long gone relatives and elders. And yet we are still here still trying to survive in this devilish insane asylum called Earth... Our long lost cousins!

[@KenyattaGross]

I felt so connected to the stories of the indigenous people of the eastern cape when i met many in Cape Town earlier this year in South Africa

[@beeniecristv]

Great video!!!

[@carolyna.ruckman9343]

Outstanding Documentary... Learning History... Thank Y'all 🤗

[@davidbosankoe3759]

Great documentary

[@abelvizion]

Amazing documentary! History rewards our research.

[@BluBag-yl2fr]

Thank you for this history lesson

[@vickbandz]

My grandfather Silas Hardy and Uncle Henry Hardy ❤

[@lucindajohnson7992]

Saw it last night thanks!

[@sterlingferguson1704]

Very good history class.

[@ElderCA]

😢 It seems like “They” shut down or close or change up things once “They” see a group is better and successful without “Them”.

[@digwealth740]

I'm always observant of how they never want to look back when it comes to our contributions to this country and how the past has shaped the present. However, very eager to pass down folklore and inaccurate history that serves their narrative.

[@mussiedebrezion8198]

Absolutely 💯 jealousy and envy is thier trademark

[@vetgirl71]

And hate is their biggest legacy !

[@ladydi7195]

Who are " they"? We need to call it out. It is what it is.

[@ProBlacklikeamutha]

My Grandmother worked at this plant.

[@SharnelleJ]

This documentary is interesting. The old, privileged mindset is well engrained in West Feliciana Parish and I find it quite disturbing. The narration was told from an angle that protected viewers from the harsh reality of plantation establishments that apparently continues to deny African-Americans opportunities for wealth, leadership and equality in that community. It’s understandable why younger African-Americans exit and progress in other cities.

[@beeniecristv]

Great catch

[@choklitsoul4700]

Does anyone know if there is a similar show for Tangipahoa Parish in Louisianna ?

[@terryzigler7521]

We never got over we gave in😮and gave up😢

[@digwealth740]

I don't believe that. Our history in this country is so complicated. Many will never give up or give in.

[@gmpsbdtjsgthti]

Pluto is here things are going to go back to how they were

[@ProBlacklikeamutha]

Veals, Ginyard, Johnson, Young, Armstrong;

[@Amarukhanindiankd]

Those the real Indians