History Lesson - Transcript
[Rick Wallace]
Being a Black American born and raised in Hastings Nebraska –Black American History was not a subject that was thought or taught in my school. Other than the subject of slaves or a few well known athletic or criminal blacks, there was no information brought forward. History classes were opportunities to pass notes, shoot paper wads and rubber bands. When teachers discussed American History, I disconnected from the conversations. I had no point of reference and so I felt I had nothing to contribute.
Not until I was 39 years of age and attending a conference on African Americans of the Great Plains did I finally pay attention to the discussions. A comment was made by a speaker that contributions of Blacks outside of Omaha and Lincoln were insignificant.
Insignificant? My life experience was insignificant? I had grown up in a Black community in a small Nebraska town. Didn’t we have a history? Didn’t we count for something? And so the fire was lit -I wanted to know more. And my research began. And here is a bit of what I found.
Before Nebraska became a State, Blacks were here.
When the military expedition of Major Stephen H. Long passed through Nebraska in 1819, African Americans slaves were working at Fort Lisa, at camps along the Missouri, and at Fort Atkinson.
After the Civil War, a trickle of Blacks came to Nebraska by way of the Missouri River. Like the whites, blacks came to Nebraska in a quest for land. They were also searching for economic opportunities and freedom. In the 1880’s Black homestead communities prospered along with the rest of the state. In Custer County two brothers who were separated during slavery reunited and established the community of Westerville. And the Black communities of Brownlee and Dewitty, Nebraska prospered in the Sandhills.
These homesteaders, like their white counterpoints, struggled with drought and grasshoppers while working some of the poorest land. They also worked in great social isolation. It was hard, and many Black homesteaders moved on, leaving their legacy of triumph and defeat written on the wind. Yet the example these homesteaders set for future black midwesterners is strong and lasting.
Then there’s the story of Harry Smith. As a trusted member of the Hastings community, and the best shot around, in 1878 he rode the 6 miles from Hastings to Juniata with shotgun in one hand and the county records in the other – all so that a “peaceful” transition of power from one county to another could ensue. When establishing towns and villages – having a handy cowboy like Harry Smith was of great importance to keeping lawlessness under control – no matter their skin color.
And when time ushered in World War II, 2000 Blacks came to live and work at the Navy Ammunition Depot in Hastings. They produced 60 % of the ammo for the Pacific War Front. Many of Black Nebraskans roots are from this time and place in history.
These are just a few of the historical facts I have found. There are hundreds more that have not yet come to the surface. Many wonderful photos and artifacts of Black Nebraskans are being donated to the Nebraska State Historical Society. I am absorbed by every story and every photo or artifact. It is a hopeful message for me. It means our story is significant. And the shaping of our story will grow.
Who knows what we shall find through such awakenings.
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