The Chattel House: A Symbol of Freedom

The Elder's Last Word.The old man rose slowly, dusting sand from his trousers. He turned toward the little wood house as though taking a look at an old good friend.
" One day," he said, "individuals gon' forget what this house actually mean. They gon' think it was just pretty wood and brilliant paint. But you-- you write the story now. Make certain they keep in mind.".
He stopped briefly, letting the sea-grape leaves rustle in the stillness.
" This house is we. All the shifting, all the enduring, all the dreams we pack up and carry from one place to the next. When you understand that, you understand Barbados.".
And with that, he left-- sluggish, consistent, unhurried-- like a man who brought his own home inside him.
This story becomes part of the much deeper cultural journey checked out in Rogues in Paradise and the RoguesCulture Identity Series.

If you 'd like to explore more stories like this-- stories of strength, humour, rebellion, and belonging-- you're invited to the early pre-screening of the work that started everything.

A Project of Rogues in Paradise.