Once Upon A Time…
Remembering historical events and
considering their significance for families today
The big story today, of course, is the total solar eclipse. It’s rare they cross the United States like this, so when they do, we stop for a moment to consider their symbolism.
An annular solar eclipse crossed the United States in February of 1831, the path of which was visible in Virginia. It was then that Nat Turner, a deeply religious enslaved African American man, witnessed this eclipse, and interpreted it as a sign to begin preparing for a rebellion against slaveowners.
On August 21, 1831 in Southampton County, VA (a mere 150 miles southeast of Charlottesville) Nat Turner led more than 70 enslaved men and free men of color, going from plantation to plantation freeing slaves, gathering guns and horses, and recruiting other enslaved African Americans to the rebellion.
About 60 whites were killed during the revolt, and the backlash came fast. White militias and mobs attacked African Americans, some of whom were not involved in the rebellion, resulting in an estimated 120 deaths. Nat Turner himself was able to hide for two months, but was later tried, convicted and hanged in November of that year. He was 31 years old. Fifty-five other African Americans involved in the rebellion were also executed in the state.
Legislation quickly followed in Virginia prohibiting the education of slaves and free African Americans, in addition to restricting assembly, voting, and the right to bear arms.
While emancipation was still over 30 years away, Nat Turner’s rebellion was a pivotal turning point for enslaved African Americans in this country. It was a time in which the conversation about humanity and civil rights was brought to the forefront, just as it is today.
Like the short duration of today’s celestial event, we’ll quickly return to the national conversation we are having about race relations, violence, and our current Administration’s vacillating stance on the subject. And though it may feel uncomfortable, we must have these discussions if we are to evolve from our present situation.
It is up to us as parents and fathers to teach our children about race and equality. Remembering Americans like Nat Turner bring into focus what all of us are ultimately striving for in our homes and in this nation: justice for all.
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Photo by Hiroko Ono on Flickr
Sources: On This Day, Wikipedia
