A Balanced Account of History Makes the Day
- Charles Reams
- Feb 6
- 4 min read
To maximize the benefits of Black history, it needs to be told in a balanced and even-handed way. Exaggerations and half-truths limit and undermine the history and the would-be historian.
Abraham Lincoln
A new book for the first time sheds light on the genius of Lincoln to persuade and cajole the political leaders of slaveowners to free the slaves.
Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals was the book that Steven Spielberg used as the basis for his film Lincoln. Tony Kushner also wrote the screenplay for the movie.
Lincoln set the objective, timing, and unique manner to persuade each powerful political opponent to come to terms with his purpose.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet Beecher Stowe and the book she wrote about Uncle Tom’s Cabin play a vital role in changing attitudes toward slaves. However, instead of reading the book, many have allowed the twisted plays and oral narratives to distort the facts about Tom and the book about him.
Thus many miseducated souls view Uncle Tom in the most disparaging light. This time, there is no substitute for reading the book, and turning off the TV, and avoiding the movies on this subject.
In fact, a careful view of the unembellished facts reveals the book’s role in Lincoln setting the slaves free and in preparing the hearts of the masses for freeing slaves.
To turn national sympathy towards slaves, they first had to be humanized in the hearts and minds of the masses. Uncle Tom’s Cabin did the important groundwork to turn the pendulum toward sympathy and compassion for slaves.
John Brown
John Brown, a radical abolitionist, played a significant role in escalating tensions leading up to the Civil War by conducting a violent raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia in 1859, which is widely considered to be a major catalyst that pushed the nation closer to conflict between the North and South; his actions, while condemned by many, were seen as a martyr's act by some abolitionists, further dividing public opinion on slavery and contributing to the growing sectional animosity that ultimately sparked the war.
The actions of John Brown created complex waves on the sea of humanity that is still being studied today. But once the ripples were set moving in ever greater concentric circles, there was no reversing the tides it created. Both factions dug in, leading directly to the Civil War. And in retrospect, we know who won and who were ultimately set free.
Sure, the valiant acts of John Brown, though condemned by many, led to an unintended outcome that cannot be denied.
Key points about John Brown's role:
Harpers Ferry Raid:
Brown led a small group of men to seize the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, hoping to incite a slave uprising by providing them with weapons.
Impact on Southern Sentiment:
The raid greatly frightened slaveholders in the South, solidifying their fears about abolitionist violence and pushing them closer to secession.
Martyrdom and Public Perception:
Although Brown was captured and executed, his trial and death were widely publicized, making him a symbol for many in the North who saw him as a courageous fighter against slavery.
Contribution to Sectional Divide:
The controversy surrounding Brown's raid further intensified the existing divisions between the North and South, contributing to the growing tension that eventually erupted into the Civil War.
John Brown | American Experience | Official Site - PBS It is said that John Brown was the spark that started the Civil War. He participated in the Underground Railroad.
Frederick Douglass
Douglass daily encountered skeptics who could not accept the plain facts before them: that he was a strong, intellectual man of substance and character.
So he left his comfort zone and started and edited his own newspaper called “The North Star.” He also wrote many other important papers that are preserved today. He launched international tours and presented his case before loyalty and the public.
Moreover, he planned for his demise. For that reason, there are more photographs today of Frederick Douglass than anyone else of his generation; yes, more than George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and even Thomas Jefferson.
The descendants of Douglass still press the battle to the gate. Let it be known that this man was a real historical character.
When it comes to Douglass, it has been ascertained that intelligence must be measured by another standard, not solely by accomplishments but also measured by how much he started behind the starting line, and how fast and far he advanced against all odds.
Imagine a child born into a system where it is illegal to learn to read. Yes, he excelled in reading, writing, composition, proofreading, editing, public speaking, debating, and orations.
As important as history is, we must never lose focus on today. Look at what this current generation is doing. Open your eyes and see individuals of outstanding talents in every imaginable field.
In this regard, the maxim holds true: if it isn’t written and photographed it didn’t happen. So keep writing and taking pictures. Talk it up and keep pressing ever forward.
