Black Blood Is The Fertilizer That Made America Grow

Journalist and author Chris Tomlinson with members of his family 

It can be jarring when whites actually "do the work," and study this country's history, for real - not playing favorites - because that's when their ancestors don't look so good: 

“'George, I'm afraid you've got the Negroes to like you and not fear you. If it is the case, you cannot get on nor take care of anything. They must know when you speak they have to obey. And to do this you have to stand square up to them and show yourself master. You cannot coax a Negro to do his duty. You have to force him. And if they only like you and not fear you, they will soon hate you and get tired of you. That is the nature of Negros. But to make them fear you and like you both, you can do anything you want with them.'” 

 Nasty business - and pretty insane - but here's what's important to know: 

 If you don't hide from it - as we blacks can't - not only do we love you but, then, we're all "Real Americans," too. Just like in the picture above.

So, do "the work" and - eventually - it'll all work out,…