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Archiver > ALABAMA > 1999-02 > 0917982016
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Subject: [ALABAMA-L] Re: ALABAMA-D Digest V99 #56 - Melungeons
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 1999 14:00:16 EST
I
> Melungeon is a tri-racial group of people. Mostly in the mountains of N.
> >and S. Carolina, the Virginia's, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and
> >Kentucky. Usually consists of American Indian, Black, and European
> >and/or Mediterranean heritage. I have lots of info and some websites if
> >you would like to know more. This group is also referred to by other
> >names such as Black Dutch.
Partially true.....Found mostly in what is now known as "Appalachia"
In Virginia, for instance, a law was passed to prevent these people from
claiming Indian ancestry. Other states had similar regulations. Recent
research indicates that they were somewhat likely to be Portugeese/Moorish
sailors stranded in the 17th century. One theory suggests that they are
decendants of Prince Mordoc of Wales exploration company. The mystery of their
orgins makes them all the more interesting, I believe. I also read of a
recent burning of all old courthouse records in a small Virginia town...to
prevent research on the Mulengeon's. Until recently they suffered severe
racial and other discrimination, and were oppressed politically and
economically. Dr. Brent Kennedy and his group has done fantastic research on
them, but still have no concrete evidence of their orginis. Resources worth
investigation:
The Melungeons , The Ressurrection of a Proud People , by N.Brent Kennedy
Lost Tribes of Tennesse Mountains by James Aswell
The Melungeons by Bonnie Ball
The Melungeons of Newman Ridge by Phyllis Cox Barr
Almost White by Berry Brewton
The Melungeons Yesterday and Today by Jean Patterson Bible
Alice
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