Until the lion tells his whole story…

This is in response to the recent article “Tin City: The story of Riverhead’s forgotten slums.” (Feb.29)

This article was one of the best, most informative pieces ever published by RiverheadLocal and I am very thankful that the editor Denise Civiletti once again touched on a subject that many have tried to forget about. This gives validation to the thoughts I expressed in  “As we remember let us not forget.” 

Some individuals in the African American community in Riverhead were shockingly opposed to the Tin City article in fear of it being a degradation. I beg to differ emphatically. Those that know me know that if it were a piece spewing degradation and shame I would be the first to address it. However we must understand that when we tell our history we cannot pick and choose what we want to be told. That process only produces bits of history. 

By neglecting to tell all of our history — the plights as well as the accomplishments — we are doing ourselves, as well as our children and our children’s children, a grave injustice. By selecting what should or shouldn’t be told or taught, we are no better than those in power who seek to eliminate African American history in our schools, libraries, and universities. 

This article sheds the light on the plight of the residents and how some persevered among these horrific conditions the same way that our ancestors persevered in the hulls of slave ships, the way that our forefathers and mothers persevered in the cotton fields and in the farms from “can see mornin’ to can’t see evening,”  and the way we are persevering in today’s society among these trying times. 

In essence, the article sheds light on two of the most vital virtues of our history as a people: resilience and perseverance. If what you took away from this article was shame and degradation, then I challenge you to go back and capture our entire history as African Americans. There you will find just as many struggles, plights, and injustices regarding social justice, civil rights, and even housing. What brings these vices to the forefront is exposure by shedding light on the issues. That is what this article accomplished, it shed light on that part of our history.

Attacking that article as being a piece that produces shame, in my opinion, is counterproductive and missing the point that the author was trying to make. If you look at things from a shameful lens, no matter the importance, no matter what the true message is,  all you will be able to visualize is what clouds your lens. 

We as a people were never, nor will ever be ashamed of any part of our history. That is what sets us apart. Yet instead of celebrating resilience and perseverance, we spend energy on being ashamed? Being degraded? Because of the less-the-human living conditions inflicted upon our people? Strong family units came from Tin City and other areas that had poor living conditions  and those residents are to be celebrated and we are to take a page from their resilience and instill it in our everyday lives. 

Shedding light on Tin City was a must. If it angers you, then do something — challenge housing and employment issues, attend Town Board meetings, join a volunteer community group, register to vote. Let me say that again: Register to vote. For some reason we want to complain and attack but refuse or neglect to register to vote or get involved in community affairs and organizations. Be active and more than just a card carrying member.

So, as we remember, let us not forget that the same practice of ignoring housing conditions that was employed by the Riverhead Town Board and local legislatures back then is being practiced today. If anything this article should open our eyes and challenge those in office to address the housing issues and living conditions that plague the community in which you reside. Truth be told, Riverhead is just as segregated today as it was back then.

So, therefore, we must tell our whole story.  Until the lion tells his whole story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter!

Carnal Hobson Jr. is a Riverhead native living in Portsmouth, Virginia.

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