My Family’s Legacy: Generational Wealth, Land Trusts, and the Case for Reparations

In this narrative, I delve into my family’s history, focusing on the concept of generational wealth, land trusts, and specifically, the Lombardy land trust in Easton, Maryland. This land has a deep personal significance as it was where my ancestors Peter Johnson and John Johnson were enslaved. Now, Lombardy is owned by Joe Walsh, the CEO of Thryv, formerly known as Dex Media. Interestingly, I had applied to work at Dex Media in 2015, but my application was denied. This personal connection to the current owner of the land that was once a site of my family’s suffering has made my research into this topic all the more profound.

Land Trusts and Generational Wealth:

Generational wealth, often secured through the establishment of land trusts, has played a pivotal role in preserving ownership of former plantation sites within white families. Through these trusts, families have been able to legally pass down land through generations, thus ensuring its continued ownership and potential financial benefits.

The Legacy of Lombardy and My Ancestor:

According to the Maryland Historical Land Trust, Joe Walsh, the owner of Thryv (formerly known as Dex Media), now owns the Lombardy Plantation previously owned by Ezekiel Cowgill. This plantation, which once housed over 100 slaves, is located in close proximity to the Wye Plantation where Frederick Douglass was enslaved. It is intriguing to observe the historical connection between Lombardy Plantation and Wye Plantation in relation to Frederick Douglass’ enslavement.

The Lombardy land trust stands as a stark example of the intersection between generational wealth, land trusts, and the painful history of slavery. Peter Johnson and John Johnson, my ancestors, were enslaved and worked on this very land.

The Significance of Joe Walsh and Dex Media:

Joe Walsh’s ownership of Lombardy plantation represents the continued legacy of generational wealth that has its roots in the exploitation of enslaved people. The revelation of Walsh being the present owner of Lombardy, and the fact that I had applied to work at his company, Dex Media, in 2015, adds a layer of personal significance to this narrative. My application was denied for reasons that remain unclear to me, but the connection between our families, albeit indirect, has made this research far more meaningful and deeply personal.

In reflecting on my personal connection to Joe Walsh, I am flooded with a myriad of emotions. When I applied to work at Dex Media in 2015, I was oblivious to the deep-seated connection that would surface years later. Disconcertingly, had I been employed by Dex Media, I would have been indirectly working under the auspices of a descendant of my great great great great grandfather’s slave master, Dr. Stephen Chiswell White.

Dr. White from Poolesville, MD, who owned the Annington plantation where my fourth great-grandfather, Phillip Samuel Johnson, was enslaved, is the second great-grandfather of Joe Walsh.

This unforeseen connection has added a profound layer of complexity to my research. It underlines the entangled narrative of our histories, showcasing how the bitter legacy of enslavement and the perpetuation of generational wealth continue to impact both my family’s narrative and the broader dynamics of economic power.

I am gripped by a sense of relief as I contemplate this revelation. The potential emotional upheaval and inner conflict that could have arisen, had I been unknowingly employed by a company owned by someone directly linked to the historical oppression and exploitation of my own ancestors, is daunting to consider. While the specific reasons behind the denial of my employment at Dex Media remain nebulous, I find solace in the twist of fate that shielded me from this potential moral dilemma.

This unexpected relief underscores the necessity of acknowledging and confronting the burdensome legacies of our past. It galvanizes my commitment to further delve into the intricate topic of generational wealth, land trusts, and the case for reparations. By sharing my personal journey and experiences, I hope to illuminate the intricate web of our shared histories and the pressing need for justice, reconciliation and reparations.

Implications of Generational Wealth and the Call for Reparations:

The perpetuation of generational wealth has profound implications. It has allowed certain families to retain control of historically significant properties, solidifying their economic advantages. This raises important questions about the fairness and exclusion of marginalized communities from the ownership of these lands.

Given the circumstances, it is imperative to address the issue of reparations for the descendants of those who were enslaved. Families who continue to profit from lands where countless individuals suffered should take responsibility for rectifying the long-lasting economic and social disparities resulting from slavery.

Conclusion:

Reflecting on my family’s history and the Lombardy land trust and the Annington Plantation, I am struck by the far-reaching impact of generational wealth and land trusts on ownership dynamics. The connection between my family’s past, Joe Walsh, and Dex Media underscores the pressing need for reparations. By actively addressing these issues, we can work towards achieving a more equitable future that acknowledges and compensates the descendants of those who were enslaved. This personal journey has become a call to confront the injustices of the past and strive for lasting change.