The Historical Intersection of Black United States Americans and First Nations People of Turtle Island
"We are the dream of our ancestors, realizing the hopes of those who came before us and paving the way for those who will follow. Our resilience is our strength." — Joy Harjo, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
As we continue our series, "Voices of Resilience," we delve into the rich and complex history of the intersection between Black United States Americans and First Nations people of Turtle Island. This article explores the historical connections, shared struggles, and moments of solidarity that have defined the relationship between Black and Indigenous communities. By understanding these intersections, we can better appreciate the strength and resilience that have emerged from these alliances and continue to inspire contemporary movements for justice and equality.
Early Connections and Shared Struggles
The histories of Black and Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island (North America) are deeply intertwined, beginning with the arrival of European colonizers. Both communities faced brutal systems of oppression that sought to strip them of their lands, cultures, and freedoms. For Indigenous peoples, this meant the violent dispossession of their ancestral territories and the systematic erasure of their cultural practices. For Black people, it meant being forcibly brought to these lands as enslaved individuals, subjected to unimaginable cruelty and dehumanization.
Times of Solidarity: A Tale of Resistance
One of the most significant examples of early connections and shared struggles between Black and Indigenous peoples is the Seminole Wars in Florida. The Seminole tribe, which included both Native Americans and Black Seminoles (descendants of escaped African slaves), fiercely resisted U.S. government attempts to remove them from their lands. The Black Seminoles, who sought refuge with the Seminole tribe, found solidarity and support, and together they fought against displacement and oppression. This alliance was a powerful testament to the strength that emerges when oppressed communities unite in resistance.
One notable example of this solidarity was the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz Island by Indigenous activists, which was supported by members of the Black Panther Party. This act of resistance aimed to draw attention to the U.S. government's failure to honor treaties with Native American tribes and to demand the return of stolen lands. The collaboration between these groups underscored the power of solidarity in the fight for justice.
The Underground Railroad is often remembered as a network that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom in the northern United States and Canada. However, it also highlights the collaboration between Black and Indigenous communities. Indigenous people provided crucial assistance to escaping slaves by offering shelter, guidance, and knowledge of the land. These acts of solidarity were vital for the success of the Underground Railroad and underscored the deep connections between these communities.
Contemporary Connections and Collaborations
In recent years, the connections between Black and Indigenous communities have continued to evolve, with new alliances forming to address contemporary issues of injustice and inequality. Here are a few notable examples:
Standing Rock and Black Lives Matter
During the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016, members of the Black Lives Matter movement showed solidarity with Indigenous activists. They joined the protests, provided support through donations and supplies, and used their platform to amplify the voices of Indigenous water protectors. This collaboration highlighted the shared struggles against environmental racism and the importance of solidarity across movements.
Black and Indigenous Solidarity on Juneteenth
In recent years, Juneteenth celebrations have increasingly included recognition of Indigenous history and solidarity. For example, in 2020, the Movement for Black Lives organized a series of actions on Juneteenth that included Indigenous activists and highlighted the connections between Black liberation and Indigenous sovereignty. This has fostered a deeper understanding of the interconnected struggles and histories of these communities.
Idle No More and Black Lives Matter
Idle No More, an Indigenous-led grassroots movement, has collaborated with Black Lives Matter to address systemic racism and advocate for justice. Both movements have organized joint actions and campaigns, such as the "Solidarity Across Borders" initiative, which aimed to build alliances between Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities to fight against oppression and colonialism.
Land Back and Reparations Movements
The Land Back movement, which seeks to return stolen lands to Indigenous peoples, has found common ground with Black activists advocating for reparations for slavery. These movements have started to engage in dialogues and collaborative efforts to address the legacy of colonialism and slavery, recognizing the need for both land reclamation and economic justice.
These contemporary connections and collaborations demonstrate the evolving nature of Black and Indigenous solidarity, as both communities work together to address modern-day injustices and build a more equitable future.
As we look to the future, the importance of healing and reconciliation between Black and Indigenous communities cannot be overstated. Acknowledging the historical intersections and shared struggles is a crucial step in this process. By learning from the past, we can build stronger, more inclusive movements that honor the contributions of both communities and work towards a more just and equitable society.
Shared Cultural and Spiritual Practices
The cultural and spiritual practices of Black and Indigenous peoples have also intersected in meaningful ways. Both communities have rich traditions that emphasize the importance of community, oral history, and a deep connection to the land. In many instances, these traditions have influenced each other, creating a unique blend of cultural expressions.
For example, the tradition of "ring shout" in Black United States American culture (very prevalent for those of Gullah descent), a form of spiritual and musical expression, shares similarities with Indigenous circle dances or “round dances”. These practices highlight the shared emphasis on communal rituals, spiritual resilience, and the transmission of history through performance and storytelling.
Storytelling and Oral Histories
Storytelling is a cornerstone of both Black and Indigenous cultural traditions. Oral histories have been used for generations to pass down knowledge, preserve cultural practices, and foster a sense of identity and belonging. For both communities, storytelling serves as a means of resistance against the erasure and marginalization of their histories by the dominant narrative of colonization and settler colonialism.
African American Oral Traditions
In African American communities, storytelling has played a crucial role in preserving the history and experiences of enslaved individuals and their descendants. Folktales, spirituals, and oral narratives have been used to convey lessons, share cultural values, and inspire resilience. Stories such as the Br'er Rabbit tales, which originated in African folklore and were adapted by enslaved Africans in the American South, emphasize themes of cleverness, survival, and resistance.
Indigenous Storytelling
Indigenous storytelling is equally rich and varied, encompassing myths, legends, and oral histories that connect individuals to their ancestors, the land, and the spiritual world. These stories often serve to explain natural phenomena, convey moral lessons, and reinforce cultural values. The role of the storyteller is highly respected in Indigenous cultures, and the act of storytelling is considered a sacred duty.
The intersections between African American and Indigenous storytelling traditions have created a unique cultural landscape where narratives of resistance, resilience, and community thrive. These stories not only preserve history but also provide a foundation for future generations to build upon.
Healing and Reconciliation
As we look to the future, the importance of healing and reconciliation between Black and Indigenous communities cannot be overstated. Acknowledging the historical intersections and shared struggles is a crucial step in this process. By learning from the past, we can build stronger, more inclusive movements that honor the contributions of both communities and work towards a more just and equitable society. I look forward to the work of solidarity, interconnectedness, and mutual aid in our shared joys, struggle, and rebuilding.
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Quote of the Day
"We are the dream of our ancestors, realizing the hopes of those who came before us and paving the way for those who will follow. Our resilience is our strength." — Joy Harjo, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
This quote by Joy Harjo, the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States, encapsulates the essence of resilience and the importance of honoring the interconnected struggles of our ancestors. As we celebrate Pride, Juneteenth, and Indigenous History Month, let us commit to standing in solidarity with all marginalized communities and working towards a future grounded in justice, equality, and unity.
References and Further Reading
Brooks, Lisa. "Our Beloved Kin: A New History of King Philip's War." Yale University Press, 2018.
Miles, Tiya. "Ties That Bind: The Story of an Afro-Cherokee Family in Slavery and Freedom." University of California Press, 2005.
Saunt, Claudio. "Black, White, and Indian: Race and the Unmaking of an American Family." Oxford University Press, 2005.
Sturm, Circe. "Blood Politics: Race, Culture, and Identity in the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma." University of California Press, 2002.
Womack, Craig S. "Red on Red: Native American Literary Separatism." University of Minnesota Press, 1999.
These references provide a deeper understanding of the historical intersections and shared struggles between Black and Indigenous communities. By engaging with these works, we can continue to learn and grow in our efforts to build a more just and equitable world.
Conclusion
In this second article of our "Voices of Resilience" series, we have explored the historical intersections of Black United States Americans and First Nations people of Turtle Island. We have highlighted the shared struggles, cultural intersections, and moments of solidarity that have defined these relationships and continue to inspire contemporary movements for justice and equality.
As we continue this series, we will delve deeper into these themes and highlight the voices and stories of those who have been at the forefront of the fight for justice and equality. By understanding and embracing these historical intersections, we can honor the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a future where all individuals are free to thrive.
Until next time.
In solidarity and empowerment,