Seeing More
The African American Civil War
Who decides what is and what is not Black History? Who has given us our guidance on what to celebrate and who deserves to be celebrated? It seems to me that pages have been ripped from the volumes of Black History that are of significant relevance. Many African Americans continue to ignore, mismanage and misunderstand their history. And in doing so they deprive future generations.
On April 4, 1968 the national media reported that of sections of more than 100 American cities had been set ablaze. No other racially charged single date or event in my lifetime compares to the horror of that day. Once again, as had been the case on so many days, all of America was gripped in fear. Ironically, the events of that day were in response to the assassination of peace advocate and Civil Rights giant, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But this was not the first time the nation had witnessed flames or acts of racial rebellion. Many Americans chose to identify with militant ideologies and to participate in organized revolt during the 1960’s. These events are well documented and their impacts were both shocking yet over the course of time, unquestionably successful. For years, City Mayors, Governors, Congressman and even our Presidents were prompted to react with both with the force of deployed local police forces, National Guardsmen and federal troops. These actions were supported by their repeated public pleas for calm. And for years, angry faces and voices of the Black Movement Leadership were presented on the evening news. Vowing continued resistance against oppression. From Harlem on the east coast of America to Watts in the west. Familiar chants rang out from a disgruntled and disenfranchised Black America. Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago among many others, were scenes of violent protest and insurrection. America, found itself engaged in, “The African American Civil War.”
Had it not been for the fact that I actually came of age observing this period of our history, and therefore find myself armed with firsthand experience, I might be reluctant to offer an opinion or to suggest that African American Civil War ever took place. But on so many nights, I heard the gunfire and I saw the flames. I saw uniformed black troops by the hundreds, adorned with black berets, marching in meticulous formations down main traffic arteries by day. And I saw weary National Guardsman lining those same streets and looking on with rifles slung. I was witness to armed confrontation by those on both sides conflict. And I was well schooled by my (pacifist) father as to opinions of those on various sides of the legal, moral and social ideological arguments. These events were among the most compelling and shocking of my lifetime. Even today I sometimes grapple with the rationale and justifications that sparked nearly a decade of unsettling violent domestic conflict.
Given the backdrop of my experience it is difficult for me to fathom that the scope and impacts of this period of our history are not given more prominent level of importance. It may well be that without the more violent efforts the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s might have been far less successful that we know it to have been today. Nonetheless, when I take time each year as an American to celebrate Black History Month, I rethink what I know to be historically accurate. I consider the sacrifices of those who suffered and died and jailed and whose names have been nearly eradicated from both the pages of Black History and main stream American history. Those who selected insurrection’s path to freedom road were Americans too. And they contributed to the advancement of discussions and laws which addressed the plight of an oppressed American people. Even though they sometimes made positive strides within their communities they continue to be ignored in our history. Their stories remain largely untold but their contributions on the grand scale were immeasurable.
Throughout global history, cultural change and social progress has most often been achieved by violent upheaval. America’s history is no different. There is nothing that can be characterized as wrong or illegal about a rebellion which rises to stem the tide of a government or society which is unjust and illegal. Yes, there was a time in our history when we had urban warriors, lions of the violent Civil Rights Movement who were hugely successful organizers and skilled fighters. And at the time, they were tremendous icons and role models within many sectors of the Black Community. Their names were spoken daily and they were revered as heroes. Heroes of a cause that many Black Americans supported as completely justified and a cause that many Black Americans drew pride and respect from. This was not a matter of isolated incidents or a few bad apples sowing seeds of insurrection. These were well orchestrated national networks within organizations that pushed their agendas’ by force. And there was an exciting and attractive cultural identity that took hold during the 1960’s and seized the hearts and minds of a broad swath of Black America. People we angry… and they wanted to fight back. Even if it only meant identifying with the mission of the movement by voicing support.
I was far too young and well protected by my family to be involved. But I do understand and appreciate all of the efforts and sacrifices that were made along the path to progress. What I do not understand, nor appreciate, is how so many Americans could have undergone mirror image experiences such as mine and no longer find reason to celebrate, appreciate or even to acknowledge this aspect of our history. Not everyone chose to walk a peaceful path during the Black Movement. That is simply a historical fact. And unlike any other culture I have ever studied; only Black America has found reason to shroud their proud history of violent resistance against oppression as if it never occurred. As if it was something to be embarrassed by, or something to be ashamed of. How is it that this nation’s history clearly documents the most dismal and tragic chapters of social injustice but fails to acknowledge the revolt that ultimately sprang from the abysmal treatment of Black Americans through the eras of bondage and long standing social oppression.
This is not, nor was it ever a question of right or wrong. It is only a single chapter in Black History. Each of us unto ourselves –regardless of race- must reconcile all of this nation’s history. Apparently few others remember or few others care about the truth of our history that well documents the battles on the streets of so many of our cities. But I was there and I observed it firsthand. What for me is only the myth of Black History Month feels more like a truncated and selective collection of feel good stories. Stories of substance, but which unto themselves do not provide a comprehensive historical photograph, or a true impression of the genesis and development of this nation’s social transformation.
This year, within my reflections, I remember again with appreciation. All that I observed. All that transpired. Some of which was uplifting and inspirational along with that which was shocking and horrifying. And within my reconciliation and remembrances there was also a revolution. The African American Civil War.
L. A. Walker
On April 4, 1968 the national media reported that of sections of more than 100 American cities had been set ablaze. No other racially charged single date or event in my lifetime compares to the horror of that day. Once again, as had been the case on so many days, all of America was gripped in fear. Ironically, the events of that day were in response to the assassination of peace advocate and Civil Rights giant, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But this was not the first time the nation had witnessed flames or acts of racial rebellion. Many Americans chose to identify with militant ideologies and to participate in organized revolt during the 1960’s. These events are well documented and their impacts were both shocking yet over the course of time, unquestionably successful. For years, City Mayors, Governors, Congressman and even our Presidents were prompted to react with both with the force of deployed local police forces, National Guardsmen and federal troops. These actions were supported by their repeated public pleas for calm. And for years, angry faces and voices of the Black Movement Leadership were presented on the evening news. Vowing continued resistance against oppression. From Harlem on the east coast of America to Watts in the west. Familiar chants rang out from a disgruntled and disenfranchised Black America. Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago among many others, were scenes of violent protest and insurrection. America, found itself engaged in, “The African American Civil War.”
Had it not been for the fact that I actually came of age observing this period of our history, and therefore find myself armed with firsthand experience, I might be reluctant to offer an opinion or to suggest that African American Civil War ever took place. But on so many nights, I heard the gunfire and I saw the flames. I saw uniformed black troops by the hundreds, adorned with black berets, marching in meticulous formations down main traffic arteries by day. And I saw weary National Guardsman lining those same streets and looking on with rifles slung. I was witness to armed confrontation by those on both sides conflict. And I was well schooled by my (pacifist) father as to opinions of those on various sides of the legal, moral and social ideological arguments. These events were among the most compelling and shocking of my lifetime. Even today I sometimes grapple with the rationale and justifications that sparked nearly a decade of unsettling violent domestic conflict.
Given the backdrop of my experience it is difficult for me to fathom that the scope and impacts of this period of our history are not given more prominent level of importance. It may well be that without the more violent efforts the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s might have been far less successful that we know it to have been today. Nonetheless, when I take time each year as an American to celebrate Black History Month, I rethink what I know to be historically accurate. I consider the sacrifices of those who suffered and died and jailed and whose names have been nearly eradicated from both the pages of Black History and main stream American history. Those who selected insurrection’s path to freedom road were Americans too. And they contributed to the advancement of discussions and laws which addressed the plight of an oppressed American people. Even though they sometimes made positive strides within their communities they continue to be ignored in our history. Their stories remain largely untold but their contributions on the grand scale were immeasurable.
Throughout global history, cultural change and social progress has most often been achieved by violent upheaval. America’s history is no different. There is nothing that can be characterized as wrong or illegal about a rebellion which rises to stem the tide of a government or society which is unjust and illegal. Yes, there was a time in our history when we had urban warriors, lions of the violent Civil Rights Movement who were hugely successful organizers and skilled fighters. And at the time, they were tremendous icons and role models within many sectors of the Black Community. Their names were spoken daily and they were revered as heroes. Heroes of a cause that many Black Americans supported as completely justified and a cause that many Black Americans drew pride and respect from. This was not a matter of isolated incidents or a few bad apples sowing seeds of insurrection. These were well orchestrated national networks within organizations that pushed their agendas’ by force. And there was an exciting and attractive cultural identity that took hold during the 1960’s and seized the hearts and minds of a broad swath of Black America. People we angry… and they wanted to fight back. Even if it only meant identifying with the mission of the movement by voicing support.
I was far too young and well protected by my family to be involved. But I do understand and appreciate all of the efforts and sacrifices that were made along the path to progress. What I do not understand, nor appreciate, is how so many Americans could have undergone mirror image experiences such as mine and no longer find reason to celebrate, appreciate or even to acknowledge this aspect of our history. Not everyone chose to walk a peaceful path during the Black Movement. That is simply a historical fact. And unlike any other culture I have ever studied; only Black America has found reason to shroud their proud history of violent resistance against oppression as if it never occurred. As if it was something to be embarrassed by, or something to be ashamed of. How is it that this nation’s history clearly documents the most dismal and tragic chapters of social injustice but fails to acknowledge the revolt that ultimately sprang from the abysmal treatment of Black Americans through the eras of bondage and long standing social oppression.
This is not, nor was it ever a question of right or wrong. It is only a single chapter in Black History. Each of us unto ourselves –regardless of race- must reconcile all of this nation’s history. Apparently few others remember or few others care about the truth of our history that well documents the battles on the streets of so many of our cities. But I was there and I observed it firsthand. What for me is only the myth of Black History Month feels more like a truncated and selective collection of feel good stories. Stories of substance, but which unto themselves do not provide a comprehensive historical photograph, or a true impression of the genesis and development of this nation’s social transformation.
This year, within my reflections, I remember again with appreciation. All that I observed. All that transpired. Some of which was uplifting and inspirational along with that which was shocking and horrifying. And within my reconciliation and remembrances there was also a revolution. The African American Civil War.
L. A. Walker
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by H M Bascom on -
This is a moving piece of writing Leon. I was a child during that time, but I remember the well censored nightly news reports on NBC. It was not until I was much older that I learned what was really going on during that time. In some ways, it is a shame that such actions and loss of lives occurred, but on another more important level - we all grew a bit as a result of that civil war. Our government grew a bit too I think. No longer would the people tolerate being marginalized and treated as second class in their own country - they would fight back.
Great writing as always Leon. I do appreciate your insights.
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Permalink Reply by Jane Mcainsh on -
Leon, I recall that period well also , though only a child , living in Scotland, I remember the news reports . Even at 11 years of age in 1968 I remember how my mother , would , speak of Dr Martin Luther King jnr with , respect and admiration of his word .
Thank you for this wonderful , piece . So thought provoking . I wish you peace and happiness
Jane .
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Permalink Reply by deliriousgirl on -
Hi Leon!
You are so right. This was and still is a great landmark in all of our histories.
I'm in the process of writing an article for The Village Voice on The New Racism in the New South. I'd be interested in your take on how that fight, fought in my childhood and in yours, has affected both African Americans and Whites in the south currently. From my viewpoint, it seems as though most African Americans here in the deep South, practice a sort of self-imposed isolationism from whites and even a militant stand against whites in some instances.
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Permalink Reply by H M Bascom on
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I have seen a bit of that self-imposed isolationism you speak of deliriousgirl. For example, where I live there are places that "Black folks just don't go." I would be interested to hear your experiences.
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