Kent Plantation House, Alexandria, LA

Like most African Americans when I hear the word plantation the first thing that comes to mind is slavery. Although we are currently living in a time where slavery is not legal many including myself would make the argument that there are many laws, rules, regulations and societal norms that keep us in bondage in this country but I digress.

I have always been an inquisitive knowledge seeker. I love to see and experience new things. I am an eternal learner. This is one of the reasons that I love to travel. This world is so big and there is so much to do and see. I think we do ourselves a disservice if we don’t get out there and explore. Of course I love traveling to foreign lands but I also can appreciate a domestic trip as well.

I happened to be in Alexandria, LA for a few days back in 2012. I did some of the basics such as shopping and eating of course. The seafood was absolutely amazing. Unfortunately since I was not writing my blog at the time I do not have documentation or specifics of those outings. But trust me I ate very well. I always like to visit some historical landmarks when possible. So while in town I decided to visit the Kent Plantation House. Although, I share the sentiment of most black people of plantations having a negative connotation, I most admit some the plantations I have seen on TV or online actually boast very beautiful architectural structures; solid beautiful homes on sprawling acres of land. I am a fan of older homes and can appreciate solid architectural design.

The Kent Plantation House is noted to be one of the oldest standing structures in the state of Louisiana. The house is described as being an authentic Creole plantation house built circa 1796. The plantation houses a main house, “outbuildings”, black smith shop, and a sugar mill. The tour guide did a great job of providing the history of the home. For some reason I was particularly fascinated learning about the sugar mill and how the sugar is made. I also enjoyed the tour of the blacksmith shop, it reminded me of Tom, Chicken George’s son in Roots. Roots is one of favorite miniseries even though I was only a child when it was first released. I have watched it more times than I can count. I first read the book in high school and absolutely loved it. The book is always better than the movie (even though in later years Alex Haley was accused of plagiarism). There a moments in this movie that still bring up emotions every time I watch (Kunta Kinte being beaten until he called himself Toby, Kunta Kinte’s foot being chopped off, when Kizzy was sold off for forging those papers for Noah and I love when Chicken George returns to his family and they leave the plantation headed for freedom.

I can only imagine what it would be like living on a plantation in those days. I am thankful that I don’t have that lived experience. I can appreciate the historical aspect of plantations and their architectural and aesthetic beauty. However the brutality and injustice that my ancestors suffered will forever overshadow my thoughts whenever I hear the word plantation. I do think that taking a tour of a plantation is an educational experience and did feel that I learned some historical facts and enjoyed the tour.