The Hidden History of Brass Ankles in South Carolina

NYTN April 11, 2025
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What did America pass down to us — and what do we do with it now? Join me for historical deep dives, cultural archaeology, and family stories that challenge what we thought we knew. A good story doesn’t just reveal the past — it reminds us how deeply connected we really are. I'm Danielle Romero and my content is all about exploring the nuances of American identity and unearthing hidden historical narratives. My great grandmother Lola left her heritage behind in Louisiana when she moved to NY in the 1930s. Last year, I decided to uncover our family story and begin finding our roots. I'm still on the journey of hidden heritage, genealogy and finding out how our family history fits in the context of community history!

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#findingyourroots #nytn #ancestry #familyhistory #genealogy # I found this old photo labeled “brass ankles, mixed breed” — a family near Summerville, South Carolina. The caption alone raises so many questions. Who were they? What did “brass ankles” mean? And why were they written out of the American story? We’re going to dig in. Select Sources: https://www.loc.gov/item/2017799825/ https://www.loc.gov/item/wpalh002103/ https://www.wassamasawtribe.com/ ✅SUPPORT NYTN CHANNEL 👕 NYTN Merch: https://www.nytonashville.com ☕Send me a coffee!: https://ko-fi.com/nytn13#linkModal 📱 Connect on Patreon: www.patreon.com/NYTN ► 📝 My Free Weekly Newsletter: https://nytonashville.com/connect ▶Download the first section FREE of my "Be a Good ancestor" course here: https://nytonashville.com/shoplola/be-a-good-ancestor-course-digital-download-videos-bjks6 FOLLOW ME 📸 ► YouTube: / @NYTN ► Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/findinglolafilm/ ► Website: https://www.nytonashville.com/ ► X: / https://twitter.com/ImFindingLola/ OTHER VIDEO PLAYLISTS ► Melungeon + Redbones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyLd8rizXCQ&list=PLvzaW1c7S5hS0duqgK5mkBh_9aqIpbooI ► "Who Counts as..." Series in the US: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUbLF-tgbB0&list=PLvzaW1c7S5hRisWeiK9K5E8X7asZdz4X1 ► Italian American Experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGCvUFF4-_M&list=PLvzaW1c7S5hRqNP0hfcOXGRuhqgJ0nPZ1 ► Mexicans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwJyAwnx39Y&list=PLvzaW1c7S5hSU0OWM1p4QUln0iBpI77wf ► Enslaved Ancestor stories https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAxyz0q0A4s&list=PLvzaW1c7S5hQxDnyRTah5wYRX9b4FSrqR ► My family story of white passing : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQp7jeNp_yg&list=PLvzaW1c7S5hQcox9CjaJWA7QKTYXw9Zn2 -------- Come join me on a new docu-series that explores identity, racial tensions in the South during the 20th century, and the unique experiences of those who historically called Louisiana home. My name is Danielle Romero, and all my life, I have romanticized Louisiana. Growing up in New York, it represented a place where I could step back the sepia-toned life of my great grandmother, Lola Perot, who died before I was born. Now, it was time to go back to Louisiana--although I had no idea what the truth would be or what questions to ask---who was Lola really? Who were we? *Amazon links are affiliate links. If buy something through these links, we may earn affiliate commission. Thank you for supporting this project!

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