By Delanda S. Johnson/Special To The HCN
As we prepare to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s holiday, we as African-Americans must take a closer look at ourselves.
On Saturday, January 14, Johnson Chapel A. M. E. Church will celebrate the dream with a “Gospel Explosion.” This will be a gospel concert starting at 6:30 p.m.
Then on Monday, January 16, the Henderson County Black History Committee will honor Rev. Dr. King with a Candlelight Vigil at the New Hope Corinth C. M. E. Church starting at 7 p.m.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed a dream of one nation that did not judge anyone by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. But as we look at America today, we have a judgment of fear, lack of knowledge, a lack of getting to know your fellow man. The only thing that’s seen today is the color of everyone’s skin, but if we look closely; we all bleed the color red.
Rev. Dr. King’s vision was for African-Americans to come from the outhouse to be in the White House and the vision was completed in 2008-2016 with President Barack H. Obama.
African-Americans, Native Americans, the homeless, the handicapped, etc., are being abused by killings, trespassing on lands that belong to Native Americans, being beaten just because the are handicapped and white, and even children no matter what race are suffering.
Today’s children are not being taught Black History or just to say if there is any Black History it’s just a little in the school’s textbooks.
There’s more to Black History than just a section on Rev. Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement or the Civil War which led to the Emancipation (freedom) of slaves.
You will find in Black History Bass Reeves, “The Real Lone Ranger.” He was one of the first black Deputy U. S. Marshals West of the Mississippi River. Reeves a towering 6’2 was broad at the shoulders, narrow hips and said to possess superhuman strength. He rode a large gray (almost white) horse while wearing his trademark black hat and twin .45 colt peacemakers cross-draw style. He gave out silver dollars as a calling card. He spoke five Native American languages.
Reeves brought in 3,000 living felons and killed 14 men in self-defense. Reeves even arrested one of his two sons for killing his wife. He did not make any differences. He retired from Federal Service after 32 years and took a position with the Muskogee Oklahoma Police Department until he died in 1910 of natural causes.
Bass Reeves the original Lone Ranger, is an example for all police officers no matter what ethnic groups; who want to enforce the law the correct way.
So, in the back of all police officer minds (people of color), they must answer that righteous call of the Lone Ranger; “HI, YO, SILVER! AWAY!”
Next in Black History, you will find Emily D. West (Morgan). A beautiful black woman from New York who later become immortalized as the “The Yellow Rose Of Texas.” A free woman and unabashed courtesan, Emily was General Houston’s lover in New Orleans, and their old passion never died out. She has traveled to the Alamo with the papers to free her beloved brother – only to watch his execution by Santa Anna’s troops. As a spy, the intelligence she gathers in Santa Anna’s camp is invaluable in turning the tide against the Mexicans.
Emily West (Morgan) who had a relationship with a writer only known as JK (a black man) who wrote the song “The Yellow Rose of Texas” used her beauty to catch the eye of General Santa Anna.
Santa Anna was either partying with West or having sex with her when Sam Houston’s troops arrived for The Battle of San Jacinto, thus forcing him to escape in only a linen shirt and “silk drawers;” in which he was captured in the next day.
As long as there is a Texas, and as long as the melody of “The Yellow Rose Of Texas” lingers, Emily D. West (Morgan) and her part in the short-lived battle on April 21, 1836, will be remembered.
The Emily Morgan hotel is a proud monument to the achievements in the Texas Revolution and is named in honor of the Texas heroine located in San Antonio across the street from the historic Alamo. The heroic story is commemorated by the members of the Knights of the Yellow Rose of Texas each April 21 at San Jacinto.
So when we sing the Texas song “The Yellow Rose Of Texas” celebrating our independence, note that the song is about Emily D. West (Morgan) a true heroine. For without her help, Sam Houston would not have captured General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
So remember that Black History IS America’s History.