Excerpts From History

A country built on racial hate doesn’t undo itself overnight. (or in 400 years).

Published in the Dallas Express in 1949, but it could have been written today.
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“We find that a country made strong on racial hate and tactics designed and calculated to control minority groups, cannot turn into a country minus racial hate and truly democratic overnight.”

The Dallas Express
Dec 31, 1949

In 1897, Black newspapers were debating whether Black men should own guns to protect their homes.

More than a century later, people are still having the same conversation.

No matter where people fall politically, a lot of people still believe in the importance of being able to protect their home, family, and community if necessary.

The Gazette�May 22, 1897

“True manhood repudiates the whip and the lash.”

Printed in 1898.

Not power through fear.
Not leadership through humiliation.
Not control through violence.

Just respect, confidence, and esteem.

The more I read these old newspapers, the more I realize people over a hundred years ago were having conversations we still haven’t finished.

The Gazette
February 12, 1898

What stood out to you most?

A community that gathered for its own.
&
A beauty business that came to your home.

Oakland, California.
1915

Would you have gone to the picnic after stopping by Miss Moore?

Founded in 1829 by a free Black woman, Priscilla “Mother” Baltimore, Brooklyn, Illinois began as a refuge for 11 families escaping slavery.

It went on to become the first incorporated African American town in the United States, and a stop along the Underground Railroad.

A town built on ownership, safety, and intention.

Why isn’t this part of the history we were taught?

Well, Speaker to be James J Myers, you have got there after being in a fight whose scars you will wear for many a day. The COURANT profoundly regrets the victory you have been enabled to win by reason of the dog in the manger policy of your leading opponent. If ever a man deserved defeat you did. By placing you in the third highest place in the commonwealth the Republican legislative majority has betrayed the best interests of the party, and will regret an act of inconceivable folly.

📰: The Boston Courant- Jan 06, 1900

“She must be smart, tidy and clean.” - 1900

What would he add to this list today?
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Shreveport, La Jan 26-A good looking, right wealthy gentleman, advertises for a wife. She must be smart, tidy and clean.
Will answer all letters, and will send photo. Address 313 East Elm St. Walter Price.

📰: The Item

It is on the cards that Congressman Roberts will be declared ineligible to take his seat in Congress on the ground that bas been a polygamist since 1885
This is all right and strictly in accord with the law and the facts, but some of the men who will sit in judgment upon the case of his Utah statesman must make many mental reservations when the vote Is being taken, and don't anybody forget it either. It will be a case of several pots calling one kettle black.

📰: The Boston Courant- Jan 06, 1900

The negro should remember that he is not wanted in many of the avenues of opportunity and will be shut out if he does not think for himself.

📰: The Jackson Headlight- Jan 27, 1900