More Than A Fraction: Based on a True Story (The Book)
Based on a true story: Rediscover an extraordinary story with ordinary roots. Thomas and Othello Fraction are brothers and best friends who had heard, and let no one forget, that they were descendants of an African nobleman whose tribal scars looked like tiger stripes. But here they were in America, considered three-fifths a person, and fighting two battles: one for the Nation and one for themselves. Read the true story that leads up to a “guns drawn” standoff, and learn how the Fraction family came to America, contributed to the foundation of America, joined the Civil War, survived murder attempts on their lives, and eventually settle outside of Blacksburg, Virginia as southern refugees.
Based on a true story: Rediscover an extraordinary story with ordinary roots. Thomas and Othello Fraction are brothers and best friends who had heard, and let no one forget, that they were descendants of an African nobleman whose tribal scars looked like tiger stripes. But here they were in America, considered three-fifths a person, and fighting two battles: one for the Nation and one for themselves. Read the true story that leads up to a “guns drawn” standoff, and learn how the Fraction family came to America, contributed to the foundation of America, joined the Civil War, survived murder attempts on their lives, and eventually settle outside of Blacksburg, Virginia as southern refugees.
Category: Historical Creative Nonfiction
ISBN-10: 1547055391
ISBN-13: 978-1547055395
Publisher: Imagination Lunchbox LLC/CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN-10: 1547055391
ISBN-13: 978-1547055395
Publisher: Imagination Lunchbox LLC/CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
More Than A Fraction: From Separation to Reunification
Within the framework of “From Separation to Reunification”, MTAFF spearheads research initiatives and curate events and projects that serve several pivotal purposes:
Within the framework of “From Separation to Reunification”, MTAFF spearheads research initiatives and curate events and projects that serve several pivotal purposes:
- Tracing the migration paths and narratives of enslaved communities post-emancipation, navigating through experiences of exile and persecution originating from the legacy of slavery and Black Codes.
- Uncovering and reconnecting with descendants of individuals who were enslaved, separated during the harrowing slave trade era, or displaced in the aftermath of emancipation. Our paramount objective is to reintroduce them to their ancestral history and each other. This endeavor involves ongoing research expeditions and communal gatherings.
From African to African-American: Exploring Infused Cultures
Under the guiding principle of 'From African to African-American: Exploring Infused Cultures,' More Than a Fraction (MTAFF) endeavors to bridge the gap from separation to reunification by offering unique avenues for exploration. This initiative transcends individual genealogical studies, evolving into a comprehensive examination that reunites African ancestry with the descendants of enslaved communities. It celebrates the resilient spirit of enslaved Africans who forged an infused culture, honoring their original African heritage while navigating the challenges of enslavement.
At the heart of this initiative lies the exploration and celebration of the idea that enslaved Africans cultivated a unique culture rooted in and paying homage to their diverse African backgrounds. MTAFF aims to challenge prevailing narratives suggesting that the ancestors of enslaved individuals had their culture and history entirely erased, acknowledging the limitations of detailed historical knowledge.
Projects under this mantle encompass:
Under the guiding principle of 'From African to African-American: Exploring Infused Cultures,' More Than a Fraction (MTAFF) endeavors to bridge the gap from separation to reunification by offering unique avenues for exploration. This initiative transcends individual genealogical studies, evolving into a comprehensive examination that reunites African ancestry with the descendants of enslaved communities. It celebrates the resilient spirit of enslaved Africans who forged an infused culture, honoring their original African heritage while navigating the challenges of enslavement.
At the heart of this initiative lies the exploration and celebration of the idea that enslaved Africans cultivated a unique culture rooted in and paying homage to their diverse African backgrounds. MTAFF aims to challenge prevailing narratives suggesting that the ancestors of enslaved individuals had their culture and history entirely erased, acknowledging the limitations of detailed historical knowledge.
Projects under this mantle encompass:
- Identifying both recognized and overlooked African cultural traditions embedded within African-American cultures and traditions.
- Showcasing and celebrating this rich, infused culture through collaborative endeavors and practical demonstrations.
Museum and Historical Places Support and Projects
At MTAFF, we extend support to museums and historical sites in researching, curating exhibits, and interpreting the histories of marginalized communities—encompassing the enslaved, indentured, and native populations during the 18th and 19th centuries. This initiative not only assists these institutions but also provides guidance to their faculty and staff on best practices for researching, interpreting, and presenting this vital history. Moreover, we facilitate opportunities for faculty and staff to engage and learn about interacting sensitively with descendants of these marginalized communities.
Our College and University Support and Projects encompass a wide array of initiatives, including:
At MTAFF, we extend support to museums and historical sites in researching, curating exhibits, and interpreting the histories of marginalized communities—encompassing the enslaved, indentured, and native populations during the 18th and 19th centuries. This initiative not only assists these institutions but also provides guidance to their faculty and staff on best practices for researching, interpreting, and presenting this vital history. Moreover, we facilitate opportunities for faculty and staff to engage and learn about interacting sensitively with descendants of these marginalized communities.
Our College and University Support and Projects encompass a wide array of initiatives, including:
- Conducting research on the marginalized enslaved community integral to the establishment of colleges or universities.
- Developing educational exhibits, programs, and special events highlighting the institution's historical connections to marginalized communities.
- Offering interpretations of African American history within university contexts across the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Crafting written content such as texts, chapters, articles, and special collections additions, contributing to university-based exhibits and publications.
- Researching the enslaved community's contributions to the university's foundation.
- Curating educational exhibits at the Solitude house and the Fraction Family Cabin.
- Providing interpretations of African American history as it pertains to the university's historical narrative.
- Authoring texts and chapters for university-based exhibits, articles, and publications.
Reconciliation and Reparations
Under this mantle, MTAFF champions a holistic, strength-focused, and reality-based model to enrich literature, philosophies, and ideas related to reconciliation and reparations. Our focus lies in the practical testing of these models, aiming to craft functional steps and authentic social interactions that foster reconciliation. Currently, MTAFF is immersed in a case study assessing the feasibility of reconciliation and concurrently pursuing a groundbreaking research project—'Mental Health Needs for Addressing the Foundation of Racial Inequity in America: Returning to the Unfinished Business of American Slavery.' In collaboration with Virginia Tech University, this study, seeking funding, seeks to uncover the mental health impacts experienced by descendants of both the enslaved and enslavers when engaging in discussions about the enduring legacy of American slavery.
Moreover, MTAFF is gearing up for the publication of a book that serves as a precursor to this groundbreaking study. This forthcoming publication explores the intricacies, emotional landscapes, and challenges encountered during the reconciliation process between the Preston and Fraction families. This narrative paves the way for a deeper comprehension of the mental health implications and transformative potentials embedded within such dialogues.
Under this mantle, MTAFF champions a holistic, strength-focused, and reality-based model to enrich literature, philosophies, and ideas related to reconciliation and reparations. Our focus lies in the practical testing of these models, aiming to craft functional steps and authentic social interactions that foster reconciliation. Currently, MTAFF is immersed in a case study assessing the feasibility of reconciliation and concurrently pursuing a groundbreaking research project—'Mental Health Needs for Addressing the Foundation of Racial Inequity in America: Returning to the Unfinished Business of American Slavery.' In collaboration with Virginia Tech University, this study, seeking funding, seeks to uncover the mental health impacts experienced by descendants of both the enslaved and enslavers when engaging in discussions about the enduring legacy of American slavery.
Moreover, MTAFF is gearing up for the publication of a book that serves as a precursor to this groundbreaking study. This forthcoming publication explores the intricacies, emotional landscapes, and challenges encountered during the reconciliation process between the Preston and Fraction families. This narrative paves the way for a deeper comprehension of the mental health implications and transformative potentials embedded within such dialogues.