BLACK POWER

    When people speak of Black Power they are referring to the Black Panthers and the 1960's. The reality is that from 1867-77 there was a period of Black Power- a period in which African Americans had an opportunity to shine and shine they did. There was Richard T. Greener at the University of South Carolina, Mayor Robert H. Wood of Natchez, James A. Healy the first African American Catholic Bishop, Governor Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback of Louisiana and Representative Robert Brown Elliott. More amazing than these famous leaders were the number of local leaders that came out of slavery and into leadership positions.
    Too often African American history is viewed as what was done to or for them. The period of 1867-77 makes it clear that African American's were quite capable of writing their own history.
    What myths were used by the redeemers to justify their actions against the African Americans and the radical republicans? What evidence is available to counter these myths? Have these myths been used against other groups? Are they still used today?
    How did African Americans lose power? Did the end of Reconstruction mean the end of the struggle?

     Copyright © 2005 Gary Brady