The Descendants Project is hosting a special screening of the Louisiana-shot CNN Original Series ‘This Land’ at Laura Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana. The free event starts at 6:30 p.m. and requires registration. A community panel discussion will follow the screening, featuring historians, genealogists, and other guests to explore the impact of enslavement on U.S. history and its continuing influence on modern communities.

Local Connection

The premiere episode of the six-part series prominently features The Descendants Project’s co-founders, Jo Banner and Joy Banner, who share the story of Big Anthony, their great-grandfather three times removed, who was enslaved at Laura Plantation. The sisters’ story captures a range of emotions, from heartbreak to triumph, as they reflect on their family’s history and its significance in the context of the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary.

The event aims to spark a meaningful conversation about the legacy of enslavement and its ongoing effects on American society. By sharing their personal story, the Banner sisters hope to raise awareness about the importance of preserving history and promoting understanding and empathy among communities.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.