Every year, descendants of both enslaved people and slave owners come together for a family reunion. The darker side of their shared past remains hidden underneath the celebrations and pleasantries. Until one year, when Ever Lee Hairston says two words that break decades of silence.

RELATED LINKS

Go on a visual journey through the complicated history of the Hairston family, with archival photos as well as some images from Ever Lee’s own personal collection. Subscribe to our newsletter for a link to the timeline and more information. You'll receive a special note from us every week with extras (photos, videos, Brittany and Eric's personal recommendations, etc) that you won't find anywhere else.

If you're interested in learning more about Ever Lee's story, check out her book, “Blind Ambition: One Woman's Journey to Greatness Despite Her Blindness.”

THE CREDITS

The Nod is produced by Eric Eddings, with Brittany Luse, Kate Parkinson-Morgan, and Emanuele Berry. With production assistance from Wallace Mack. Our senior producer is Sarah Abdurrahman. We are edited by Annie-Rose Strasser. With editing help this week from Catherine Saint Louis, Emily Ulbricht and Alex Blumberg. Fact checking by Nicole Pasulka. Engineering from Cedric Wilson. Our theme music is by Calid B. Additional music in the show from Bobby Lord, Nick From Islands, and Takstar.