SPECIAL NOTICE TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN ROTHERWOOD DESCENDANTS OF KINGSPORT FAMILIES WITH THESE LAST NAMES:
Watterson
Stafford
Gray
Phipps
Leeper
Pierce
Long
Lyons
Looney
Ewing
Manis
Garrett
Davis
Brice
Logan
Lollar
Lollis
And possibly others.
The names above have been identified as possibly being descendants of families who were enslaved at the Rotherwood Plantation back during slavery. There are also other family names from the Ross, Phipps, Netherland side as well. Other family names will be added once they are discovered.
There is a special reunion being planned in mid September at the Rotherwood Mansion in Kingsport, for those families who have connections to Rotherwood Heights. Please contact Tacia Green at tkpgreen@yahoo.com for more information about this special reunion.
Why the Reunion?
This reunion is one of healing. Although, we will never forget our history or the many contributions that were provided not only to Rotherwood by to Kingsport. We need to come together, families of the oppressed and the oppressor, and heal the land of Rotherwood Mansion. Healing the land through Christian love, sharing our history to descendants and others and acknowledging wrongdoings.
Why the Reconciliation?
Because it is past time. Down through generations, our ancestors endured pain, suffering and belittlement. We, as the descendants of Rotherwood, should want to end that pain and renew our ancestors by healing the people of Rotherwood. In 2024, when we look over at Rotherwood Mansion or when we drive by Netherland Inn, we don't have to think about our ancestors as slaves, instead we can have memories of our " Rotherwood reunion."
It's time for us to reconcile with our past... it's time for the Rotherwood Mansion to be healed and forgiven from its past, and us as well.
