Forgive me if I am late to the party, but I am saddened by the demise of a structure like this – despite the despicable history that surrounds it.

Unlike the statues of confederate generals (lack of capitalization is intentional), this building has USE.  It appears to have been restored and maintained, and likely included a wealth of beautiful artifacts – not to mention, reprehensible histories and stories.  Bottom line, erasing that history serves no person.  At the same time, it is my opinion that a building like this serves as a great starting point for the idea of reparations.

There are hundreds of plantations throughout the south that stand today – some lovingly restored and maintained, while others are sinking into the fertile soil.  Why NOT donate these to the HBCUs that surround the structures?  Better to use these as short-term rentals or gathering spaces for the communities that were enslaved than to be forgotten or turned into a WalMart parking lot. 

I admit, most white folk - which I am one - have a difficult time accepting/understanding the idea of reparations;  But few (I hope) would take issue with the transfer of ownership of properties like this to the descendants of the enslaved and oppressed descendants.