Those interested in Black History in our nation will find
more than they imagined when they visit the state of
Missouri as we found out on our tour.
Our nation, and the world - face many challenges. The same
is true for the men who laid the foundation of the United
States. At a time when slavery was a serious topic of debate
these men did not think America could overcome adversity and
racial barriers. Nor did they ever imagine we would elect a
vibrant and charismatic young politician named Barack Obama
as President.
On our trip to Missouri we stepped back to a time when men
debated slavery while it continued to shatter lives. We
stared across the muddy waters of the Missouri as those
desperate for freedom did on the nights they crossed. Few
escaped. Others, captured faced the certainty of cruel
punishment and death.
We felt the cold, bitter wind nip at our flesh as we stood
inside a slave's cabin that was little more than a horse
barn.
Not far away we viewed a elegant mansion untouched by time.
Yet this deceiving structure in all its grandeur has a dark
past; one which stared back at us with unremorseful eyes.
Here, men and women of color were bred like cattle, and
later taken to market to be auctioned off to the highest
bidder.
Later on our journey when we stood on the steps of
the
historic Old Courthouse in St. Louis where we were given a
intense glimpse into the treatment of slaves on auction day.
On these steps, men, women, and children were examined like
animals under the watchful eyes of their master and
potential owners.
This was also the location where Dred Scott sued his owner
for freedom. Scott v. Sanford would further divide the
nation and is one of the main events that ultimately led to
the Civil War.
As we stood back, far from the historic Old Courthouse to
take a photo there was half of the arch of St Louis - the
gateway to the West - to new beginnings - and freedom.
It seemed fitting that a group of protestors were onsite
preparing for a rally, and at the same time odd to see the
bus load of Eastern Tourist snapping photos with them.
I wondered what they would think of the Dred Scott exhibit
inside? Did they know that St Louis was also home "free"
African Americans known as the Colored Aristocracy, who
lived rich and diverse lives. Or - that these free men and
women of Color also risked their lives to organize various
Underground Railroad stops?
Afterwards we paid our respect to Dred Scott at his grave
and I could sense the hope of unity for all of humanity.
As we traveled on our Black History Tour it became a
memorable adventure with our new friends. Along the way I
hoped we would discover something "Happy" that I could
share. "Happy" - there's was nothing "Happy" about slavery I
was reminded by our tour leader. It was her passion for the
subject of Black History that brought the stories of these
slaves to life, and revealed What the History Books Don’t
Tell You.
Along the way we visited places that reveal Missouri's
Forgotten History, and we met many interesting people who
shared their stories with us. Ever optimistic, I can say I
did find a few "Happy" stories, if that's what they can be
called.
Like the story of the notorious Jesse James, who was shot in
the back in his own home, which is not onsite at the
Patee
House in St Joseph, where you’ll also find the Pony Express
Museum. What few may know is that Jesse helped support the
colored school of Banneaker in Parkville where his Step
Brother, a half black man, taught local children of Color.
