Kim Duhon, niece of Melvin and Ly Curtis Reels, shares her family's compelling saga of love and loss tied to their ancestral land. Attorney James Hairston discusses the brothers' legal fight that culminated in a landmark case. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of incarceration, familial resilience, and the complexities of property rights. Listeners learn about the heart-wrenching sacrifices made, the significance of home, and the enduring hope for future generations to honor their legacy.
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Quick takeaways
The Reels brothers' eight-year incarceration for resisting eviction underscores the systemic challenges faced by Black families in land ownership.
Kim Duhon's struggle to find legal assistance for her uncles highlights the barriers and financial hardships in accessing justice for marginalized communities.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Silver Dollar Road
The Reels family's struggle begins with the legacy of their inherited land, which has been in the family for over a century. Following the death of Melvin and Lye Curtis Reels' grandfather, the property became heirs' property due to the lack of a will, leaving it vulnerable to legal challenges. When a developer claimed part of the land, the brothers were faced with court orders to vacate and demolish their homes, which they refused to do. This refusal led to their incarceration for civil contempt, illustrating the deep ties and struggles faced by families trying to retain ownership of their ancestral land.
Challenges in Legal Advocacy
Kim Duhon, the niece of Melvin and Lye Curtis, faced significant challenges while seeking legal assistance for her uncles. Despite her persistence in contacting various lawyers, many were unwilling to take their case or charged exorbitant fees for consultations. This struggle was exacerbated by her personal circumstances, as her husband was battling cancer while she worked tirelessly to help free her uncles from jail. The lack of legal representation not only complicated their situation but also highlighted the systemic issues surrounding heirs' property and land ownership for Black families.
A Long Fight for Justice
Melvin and Lye Curtis spent nearly eight years in jail, originally sentenced to 90 days, but their time extended due to the courts ignoring their release requests. Their ordeal was marked by deteriorating health and emotional strain from being separated from family and the land they cherished. After years of advocacy, their case ultimately reached the North Carolina Supreme Court, where arguments were made regarding the injustice of their extended incarceration. The court sided with the Reels family, allowing them to return to their land, but lingering concerns about its future still loom due to potential property tax increases and family ownership complexities.
This week, part two of the Reels family story – how two brothers went to jail in an attempt to save their family land, and were held there for eight years without being charged with a crime. “I’m not going to give up. I don’t think I’m wrong, and I’m willing to fight for it.”