Or is racial hatred really about race? Or is it political? Colfax Massacre, which was one of the worst acts of violence, was undoubtedly motivated by politics and race. Let’s look at the history of the massacre before we go into details. The period of Reconstruction that followed the Civil War was supposed to bring about great change and prosperity. It was designed to rectify American society and politics’ failings. Unfortunately, however, it was “one of America’s most violent and destructive eras.” During this time, thousands died from domestic terrorists like Ku Klux Klan. This group tried to reinforcing antebellum policies white supremacy” (Lewis). In the paper we will discuss the events and policies which led to the colfax massacre as also what the events that took place during that period.
The Civil War, in which southern states attempted secession from the Union, was the precursor of the reconstruction time. The Union (Northerners), won, and the reconstruction phase began. It began with a positive outlook. Southern laws were and are being “reconstructed” to support equality. “The 13th-14th and 15th Amendments were meant to guarantee equality to recently emancipatedslaves.” (Boundless). These Amendments were essential for protecting African American Rights. The black community also gained the ability to hold office. They made use of this power to keep office. “Sixteen African Americans sat in Congress during Reconstruction. More than 600 also served in state legislatures. Numerous others served in local offices. Ku Klux Klan began to rise to terrorize ex-slaves. (Lewis). Democrats also had problems with “carpetbag” Republicans. These events culminated at Colfax in Louisiana in April 1873. Fears of white hate leaders threatening to take control of Grant Parish, a local government courthouse, were shared by the African American community. “In April 1873, an all black militia took over the local courthouse. A mob of over 150 white men, including Confederate soldiers as well members of Ku Klux Klan/White League, quickly surrounded the courthouse.
After a few days’ fighting, the black defenses surrendered. However instead of taking the prisoners or arresting ex-slaves, “the mob of white men murdered many of them, shooting at their heads and hanging others,” this particular incident seems to be, pardon me the phrasing. It was a violent act by white democrats to force their opponents to submit. The Colfax massacre plaque reads, “On the site occurred the Colfax riot in the which three white men as well as 150 negros were killed.” This event took place in 1873 on April 13th.
It is possible to see the colfax murder or the colfax rebellion as it was called by the attackers of the southern white democrats. They view this as a defense for criminals, sexual predators, and other treacherous characters. Instead of black men taking up residence at the courthouse, they did. The white oppressors seem not to have forgotten that the black community made “open threats” to kill all white men and take the women and girls for their fiendish needs. They took a baby out of a coffin and placed it in the yard. They also committed robbery and rape, as well as other crimes, that I have not yet been able to recall.” (Rubin). This recountance even claims that whites attempted to send offers to end this bloody battle.
There is also the possibility that the whites tried to broker peace at the battle. However, “When the white attackers approached the door of this building, they fired a volley at them from the inside…. The negroes tried escape in the confusion. Rubin says that whites were shocked by the treachery of the negroes and fled from the building. A different interview was received. This interview is actually from colfax’s mayor! First, it is absurd that the blacks started this whole thing by putting the baby in a coffin.
That didn’t happen. Second, the whites called the blacks on the next morning and demanded pardons for anyone who had been involved in the disturbance. The whites shot a group of blacks, I don’t know how many.
The Colfax Massacre’s aftermath was confirmed by us as a massacre, not an riot. Unfortunately, the Colfax Massacre was followed by Jim Crow Laws. America was pushed back into ignorance, hatred, and blindness. Reconstruction wasn’t abandoned. It was actually destroyed. Yes, these historical events were terrible but history cannot repeat itself. History is prone to repeat itself if it is not remembered. Hate can’t be stopped by looking away or ignoring it. Hate cannot be stopped by looking the other way or ignoring it. America must be held to the same standards as her: Liberty, Life and the pursuits of happiness. This is only possible by looking at the mirror. Do not be silent.
