Passing | Episode 2: Homecoming

In the heart of South Carolina’s low country, it’s time for the annual Ragin/Watson family reunion. This year, Willa Mae’s daughter, Becky Jo—who had no idea her parents was black—will meet her relatives for the first time.

Directed by Robin Cloud

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PASSING:
For decades, African American comedian and filmmaker Robin Cloud had heard tales about the “Nebraska cousins,” a branch of her family that moved away from the East Coast to pass for white in the rural Midwest. In this six-part series, Cloud attempts to find and understand the motives of the relatives who left everything and everyone else behind, and documents how their progeny grapple with the revelation that they aren’t who they thought they were.

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Topic is an ambitious entertainment & storytelling studio from First Look Media, dedicated to working with creators at the forefront of culture.

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[MaryJane]

The second I saw Becky Jo, I could see she was an African American woman. Your story reminds me so much of mine. My mom used to tell me, "there is no shame in being Black, what is a shame, is the way they treat us for being Black." But, it's too much to write here. OK sister, until next time.

[zeex]

"We rollin incognegro let's go"
Best joke ever fam!

[mikeaskme]

I am looking at Becky Joe and wondering how anyone in Nebraska could not see a "black" woman, I mean come on are they all blind in that state. The love that her husband had for her, had to be overwhelming for him not to admit it to anyone especially his family good on him.

[steveriggan]

Interesting story. My mother and I did DNA tests several years ago and both of us had some African DNA which was slightly surprising but yet not since we come from Southern family. After 7 months of looking at DNA results of other cousins, we were able to find they had it too and it was through my maternal grandfather’s mother’s family who we really didn’t know much about. They originally came from North Carolina and were from a historically “free colored” family of mixed African, Native American and white ancestry in NC and VA since the late 1600’s on record, many of whom could pass for white and did without revealing their heritage to future generations of the family like mine! That was quite a find. Myself and my mother, my aunts, uncle and many cousins all DNA match to many black and mixed race families in NC who are from the same bloodline. It’s been wonderful to connect with them and learn more about our history because many of them know it well.

[esiana]

They all look alike! Once they saw each other at the airport... those faces are the same!

[TinaThompsonPlayingtheField]

That look you get when the truck circles back really explained a lot of the problems in our country. Shouldn't have to be like that.

[andreafraser]

Maybe the cousins that just found out they were black needed time process it away from the camera.

[tangee]

You can't hide from blackness. It will manifest even thru you great grandchildren

[nopjack]

All this for survival...what a sacrifice...this is really bitter sweet on so many different levels. Hopefully, Robin helped some of her relative's free their minds and get a little peace.

[Marzybeee]

So you're telling me that these people looked in the mirror for DECADES and couldn't see they were black?! FOH

[KezzyBoo]

I think the whole "your black now" energy and undertones were too much for the Omaha branch. That's really for them to figure out and come to a conclusion on. Having black ancestry doesn't automatically make someone black. Black is Dna, experience and much more, imo. I can see the aunt & husband that moved aways children identifying as black but the children born from those children may be more mixed, while their children go on identify as white with African ancestry. Again, it's for them to figure out. I'm glad this dicovery was shared.

[doreensika]

I can’t believe Janine thought she couldn’t be black. Her hair is so obvious to me.

[arelygarcia]

Bohemian" was originally a term with pejorative undertones given to Roma gypsies, commonly believed by the French to have originated in Bohemia, in central Europe.

[deedeeandmimi]

Becky Jo is so overwhelmed i totally understand .. I can remember when I met my father's family and I could see my reflection in so many different faces ... thats so overwhelming to see all these people who look like you but ur not really connected to ..

[respectknuckles]

Becky joe's niece is crazy if she didnt think she was at least something LOL LOL

[CosmicEremite]

Giiiirrrl...! Who in the hell would think Becky Jo is white?!?!

[maebell]

What is in the darkness will come to light.

[Neema]

To everyone writing negative comments about this family, have compassion. The family is clearly trying to reclaim their true identity. You don’t know in what situation they were in that made them decide to pass as white. Perhaps they just wanted to survive.

[realyzm]

I’m going to say what most people already know but in some cases choose to ignore. Black is a dominant race, it is nearly impossible to white wash us! There will always be something that will give us away, be it the eyes, the nose, the forehead, the gap in our teeth, the lips, or the hips. These are things that make us distinct, even when skin complexion or hair texture isn’t the most obvious.

[janedoe]

Robin was terrific in engaging Becky Lee. Becky was brave