I'm a black man pushing 60, and I can attest that what you say is correct. My entire family tree goes back to the Deep South, at least into the mid 1800s. I've got white ancestors who fought on both sides of the Civil War, and of course I have ancestors who were slaves (even some slave owners).
One of my ancestors was the author of the Crittenden Compromise. Some family members of my generation disown the man, because they disagree with that document. Can't say that I'm all that proud of it, either, but family is family in my mind. Even if they were long deceased before you were born. Those are my roots, for good or bad.
I know all about that. Family is family, for good or bad. I have ancestors I’m very proud of, and some I’m ashamed of. I have some family that I’m both proud and ashamed of at the same time. What can you do? It is what it is.
Family is family. One of my great-grandfathers fought for the CSA while his younger brother joined the Union. They were western Virginians and second cousins to Stonewall Jackson. My great-grandfather’s brother was denied a $5 a month pension by the War Dept. because his brother fought for the Confederates.
Have long appreciated your writing skills on FReeper threads. Your family history is fascinating and I wonder if you have ever considered authoring a book on such an accomplished and diverse group of ancestors?
It would be a great read.