Awareness and Stop an event
The Issue
If you grew up in Columbia, Tennessee or Spring Hill in the early 90’s, like I did, more than likely at some point you we’re shuttled to Rippavilla Plantation on what some would classify a school field trip. During your visit you would be escorted around the property to see various “landmark” items and if you were really fortunate, and I use the term loosely, you’d participate in the re-enactment of several degrading activities such as PICKING COTTON. As elementary students we were naive to the extreme injustice this behavior introduced us to. Many adults failed to see the error in this annual traditional and as far as I know, students are still undergoing this same cruelty.
On Tuesday, November 17th 2020, Rippavilla Plantation posted to their public Facebook page promoting an upcoming cotton picking event due to be held this week. With total disregard to the communities that have been most affected by Rippavilla’s and all nationwide plantations, they promised to “emphasize the importance of agriculture” and highlight the “tedious labor and skill” that went into the process. Slave work is what’s being advertised and while Rippavilla is planning to charge $20 per head and still making no promises to enrich the local marginalized people or contribute to the local chapters that are doing the work of “undoing” they are continuing to make profit off the disgusting legacy of all that is and is associated with Rippavilla.
It should be noted that following a wave of backlash, the managers of the account issued a half hearted and completely tone deaf apology only explaining that there was confusion in the intended purpose of the event. This shows the lack of diversity, evolution and positive influence that Rippavilla Plantation has on the community. Only seeking to make money off the pain and taking no interest to take responsibility for it. It’s absolutely unacceptable.
We are seeking to have the event cancelled and asking local people and officials to reevaluate the place Rippavilla will have in the community moving forward.
The Issue
If you grew up in Columbia, Tennessee or Spring Hill in the early 90’s, like I did, more than likely at some point you we’re shuttled to Rippavilla Plantation on what some would classify a school field trip. During your visit you would be escorted around the property to see various “landmark” items and if you were really fortunate, and I use the term loosely, you’d participate in the re-enactment of several degrading activities such as PICKING COTTON. As elementary students we were naive to the extreme injustice this behavior introduced us to. Many adults failed to see the error in this annual traditional and as far as I know, students are still undergoing this same cruelty.
On Tuesday, November 17th 2020, Rippavilla Plantation posted to their public Facebook page promoting an upcoming cotton picking event due to be held this week. With total disregard to the communities that have been most affected by Rippavilla’s and all nationwide plantations, they promised to “emphasize the importance of agriculture” and highlight the “tedious labor and skill” that went into the process. Slave work is what’s being advertised and while Rippavilla is planning to charge $20 per head and still making no promises to enrich the local marginalized people or contribute to the local chapters that are doing the work of “undoing” they are continuing to make profit off the disgusting legacy of all that is and is associated with Rippavilla.
It should be noted that following a wave of backlash, the managers of the account issued a half hearted and completely tone deaf apology only explaining that there was confusion in the intended purpose of the event. This shows the lack of diversity, evolution and positive influence that Rippavilla Plantation has on the community. Only seeking to make money off the pain and taking no interest to take responsibility for it. It’s absolutely unacceptable.
We are seeking to have the event cancelled and asking local people and officials to reevaluate the place Rippavilla will have in the community moving forward.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on November 17, 2020