May 2024

I was not familiar with heir property before I heard Terah Shelton Harris talk about it at a book preview event as she discussed her new novel, LONG AFTER WE ARE GONE. I found myself intrigued by this idea of land that was bought by Black people during the time of Reconstruction. These properties often were held by entire families and passed from generation to generation, but without much in the way of printed documents. Many times, the land was in areas that were swampy or near water, which was not considered desirable as people wanted property that could be farmed. As a result of the scant paperwork, there have been lots of ways for developers to try to lay claim to this land.

I offer this very topline definition of the subject to give readers a gateway into Terah’s book. In it, an older man is dying, and his last words to his son are “Don’t let the white man take the house.” That mantra becomes the job of his four children to execute. Told from each of their points of view, we find out what the land means to them, as well as the roles they have within the family --- and how those shift and change. Terah introduces us to them with a few eye-opening scenes that show them at their most vulnerable. From there, we see them fight through the challenges to honor their father’s wishes.

There is so much in here to discuss. Book groups, this definitely is worth exploring. If you do, think about watching or listening to my interview with Terah to learn more about the development of her characters --- and how she found this story.