Summary of "Criminal" Podcast Episode: The Family Land, Part 1
Podcast Information:
- Title: Criminal
- Host/Author: Vox Media Podcast Network
- Episode: The Family Land, Part 1
- Release Date: October 25, 2024
- Host: Phoebe Judge
Introduction to the Reels Family and Silver Dollar Road
The episode begins by introducing Mamie Reels Ellison and her family's long-standing connection to Silver Dollar Road on the North Carolina coast. The Reels family has owned this land since 1911, initially purchased by Mamie's great-grandfather, Elijah Reels, who was born in 1866 and freed from slavery. Despite losing the land due to unpaid taxes, Elijah’s son, Mitchell Reels, reclaimed it in the 1940s, determined to keep the property within the family.
"We've been here all our life. That's all we know." (01:07)
Mamie, the youngest of nine siblings, recounts her childhood filled with freedom and community. The area was a close-knit village where families knew each other by sight and sound, fostering a strong sense of belonging and mutual support.
"You could just run free." (02:14)
Legacy of Mitchell Reels and the Birth of Ayers Property
Mitchell Reels, Mamie’s grandfather, was the cornerstone of the family's resilience and leadership. Serving as a deacon for Reels Chapel for 50 years, he was revered not just for his business acumen but also for his nurturing nature. His dedication ensured that the family could sustain themselves through farming and fishing.
In 1970, Mitchell fell ill with cancer and passed away without a will, leaving the 65-acre property as Ayers Property—a term for land inherited without formal legal documentation. Ayers property is notorious for complicating ownership among descendants, often leading to disputes and loss of land, especially within Black communities.
"Whatever you do, don't let the white man have my land." (08:42)
The Legal Battle Begins
After Mitchell's death, his daughter Gertrude Reels successfully obtained a court order ensuring that only Mitchell’s children and grandchildren would inherit the land. However, in 1978, Shedrick Reels, Mitchell’s brother from New Jersey, contested this arrangement by claiming ownership of a valuable 13-acre beachfront portion of the property. Shedrick alleged he had held the deed since 1950, a claim disputed by the family.
The family's lawyer, Claude Wheatley III, described the ensuing legal battle as chaotic. Despite their efforts, the courts sided with Shedrick, leading to the family's loss of the waterfront land by 1982.
"Ayers property dates back to Reconstruction and Jim Crow... leading cause of black involuntary land loss." (10:22)
Impact on the Reels Sibling
The loss of the waterfront proved devastating for Mamie's brothers, Melvin and Ly Curtis. Melvin, a seasoned fisherman, had built a small club called Fantasy Island to maintain the family's connection to the water. Despite continued fishing and hosting community gatherings, the threat of eviction loomed over the family.
"What were they supposed to do? Where were they going?" (20:26)
After years of resistance, including ignoring court orders and maintaining their presence on the land, the family faced severe repercussions. In 2011, both Melvin and Ly Curtis were summoned to court and subsequently jailed for civil contempt after refusing to vacate the property. Their attorney had forewarned them of potential imprisonment, but the reality was harsher than expected, resulting in an eight-year incarceration.
"We know that the property belonged to them and if it meant them being incarcerated, that was what they were going to do." (25:35)
Personal Stories and Emotional Toll
The episode delves into the personal toll of this prolonged legal battle. Melvin Reels, a 77-year-old fisherman, describes the tranquility of his life on the water and the community it fostered. However, the forced eviction and subsequent legal struggles brought immense stress and anxiety to him and his family.
"It's so peaceable... I love to feed people that enjoy seafood." (22:03)
Kim Doohan, Mamie's niece, reflects on the family's steadfast belief in their rightful ownership and their determination to defend their land, even at great personal cost.
"They were not going to give this property up knowing that they'd lived on this property all their lives." (25:42)
Climactic Court Hearing and Incarceration
In March 2011, during a tumultuous court hearing in Beaufort, North Carolina, Melvin and Ly Curtis were abruptly sentenced to jail without a fair opportunity to present their case. The family's hope for justice was crushed as the judge prioritized enforcing the eviction over understanding the family's historical and emotional ties to the land.
"I didn't think they could do it." (31:04)
This event marked a significant turning point, highlighting systemic issues within the legal system that disproportionately affect Black families and their ability to retain ancestral lands.
Conclusion and Continuing Struggle
The episode concludes by emphasizing the enduring struggle of the Reels family against unjust legal systems and the broader implications for Black land ownership in the United States. The Reels family's story is a poignant example of resilience in the face of systemic adversity, shedding light on the historical and ongoing challenges of maintaining land ownership within marginalized communities.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Mamie Reels Ellison:
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Narrator:
- "Ayers property dates back to Reconstruction and Jim Crow... leading cause of black involuntary land loss." (10:22)
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Kim Doohan:
- "They were not going to give this property up knowing that they'd lived on this property all their lives." (25:42)
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Melvin Reels:
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Podcast Host:
- "Whatever you do, don't let the white man have my land." (08:42)
This episode of Criminal meticulously weaves together personal narratives, historical context, and the intricate dynamics of family and legal struggles, presenting a compelling story of loss, resilience, and the fight for justice. Through Mamie Reels Ellison and her family's experiences, listeners gain profound insights into the broader issues of land ownership, systemic racism, and the enduring legacy of African American families in safeguarding their heritage.