Posts Tagged ‘American history’
‘The Slaves Dread New Year’s Day the Worst’: The Grim History of January 1
Before the Civil War, the new year was not one of celebration but of horror and dread. It was a time of possible separation and heartbreak; a time for family members to be sold to the highest bidder.
Read MoreDonald Trump’s ‘Lynching’
In the wake of another infuriating Tweet from President Trump, Jamelle Bouie brings both the content of the Tweet and one of its biggest defendants into the larger context of racial violence.
Read MoreFighting Racism…Especially Where We Don’t Realize It Exists
In his new book, award-winning author Ibram X. Kendi “pushes those of us who believe we are not racists to become something else: antiracists, who support ideas and policies affirming that “the racial groups are equals in all their apparent differences — that there is nothing right or wrong with any racial group.” A book review by historian Jeffrey C, Stewart.
Read MoreByron Allen on the 400th Anniversary Of Slavery In America
Reconstruction law meant to protect civil rights of black businesses is being challenged by Trump DOJ in the Supreme Court.
Read MoreAmericans Won’t Be Free Until We Face Our Racist History
“True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality,” a new HBO documentary coming out June 26, digs into Stevenson’s work with the Montgomery, Alabama-based Equal Justice Initiative, fighting racism in the criminal justice system for over 30 years, largely by defending poor, black people on death row.
Read MoreThe quilts that made America quake: how Faith Ringgold fought the power with fabric
At 88 years of age, Faith Ringgold continues to make and exhibit her “subversive” art. She is best known for her art quilts, such as Bleeding Hearts#2.
Read MoreLast Known U.S. Slave Ship, the Clotilda, Said to Have Been Discovered In Alabama
The reported last slave ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States was found in Mobile, Alabama waters. Timothy Meaher made a bet that he could deliver his illegal cargo undetected into the hands of waiting buyers, and he was successful. The Roots Questlove direct ancestors were on this ship.
Read MoreWas the Real Lone Ranger a Black Man?
Although born into slavery, Bass Reeves went on to gain a reputation for bravery and non-compromising honesty as a law man in Indian Territory after the civil war. The only thing that made him hang up his badge and gun was a new 1907 Oklahoma state law that banned this American Descendant of Slaves from holding office as a deputy marshal. Author Art T. Burton wrote the book, Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves and stated that Bass Reeves might have inspired the story of the Lone Ranger.
Read MoreThis Could Be the First Slavery Reparations Policy in America
Georgetown University under-graduate students are taking the lead in addressing the issue of compensation for American descendants of slaves (ADOS). They will vote to tax themselves (reconciliation fee) to create a fund to benefit the descendants of 272 slaves sold to save the university.
Read MoreWhen Civility Is Used As A Cudgel Against People Of Color
Manifest Destiny as a mind-set and working model has made it clear that America has a duty to civilize the rest of the uncivilized world. The uncivilized masses are to be patient and calm and not “rock the boat”,as they await the privileges that come with Christianity and democracy.
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