Most Americans know February is Black History Month. If you visit public schools, you will find lessons, bulletin boards, guest speakers, and many children’s books devoted to African American history. Many local and national news programs are devoting segments to African American history and or individuals who made a difference. It is indeed good to pay attention, listen, and think about the positive differences that African Americans have made to our nation and society.
I would imagine that the Missouri Legislature has addressed and recognized the importance of African American history and in particular contributions of African American Missourians.
This year, I believe our Legislature and governor should take a brave step forward and formally apologize for the role that Missouri played in advancing slavery and later discriminatory laws disenfranchising African Americans in our state.
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Missouri celebrated its bicentennial in 2021. Since Missouri formally became a state on August 10, 1821, we are still in that bicentennial year. What better year to right a wrong that is so long overdue? What better time is there to act upon this, rather than start a third century without addressing this issue? Now is the time.
Missouri entered the United States as a slave state, the 24th state, soon after the state of Maine entered as a free state. It was very important to our nation that the number of slave and free states be equal. Missouri fought hard to be recognized as a slave state. At the time, it was the northernmost slave state. Exceptions had to be made for Missouri to be a slave state.
Slaves were brought into Missouri when it was a territory and then later after it became a state. Individuals were born into slavery of both African lineage and mixed-race lineage. All for the purpose of exploitation.
Missouri, however, never seceded from the Union before or during the Civil War. During the Civil War, Missouri had both Union and Confederate soldiers. Missouri abolished slavery even before the conclusion of the Civil War. But as a state, it has never apologized for its involvement in slavery. Surely a state that abolished slavery should later apologize for ever being involved in the institution.
Following the abolition of slavery and the end of the Civil War, African Americans in Missouri were faced with a society that was slanted against them. They could not attend the same schools as white citizens. The jobs available to them were low grade with very little pay. Businesses were allowed to refuse to do business with African Americans. Neighborhoods developed rules forbidding African Americans from living in the same neighborhoods. Local law enforcement officers looked the other way when white supremacy groups harassed, terrorized and even killed African Americans trying to succeed or claim the American dream for themselves.
Some will argue that these steps are unnecessary. Slavery no longer exists in our state or nation, and certainly all previous slaves and slave owners are long since deceased. By bringing up these issues, we run the risk of making people ashamed of their past. On the contrary, I believe that addressing our past honestly helps to bring closure and healing to all.
African Americans have certainly proven their loyalty to our state and nation. Every war that the nation has been involved with has had participation from African Americans. Slave labor was used to build our state capitol in Jefferson City and most likely used in the construction of the University of Missouri flagship campus in Columbia.
The contributions of African Americans from our state are well documented. Think of the athletic accomplishments of Arthur Ashe, Leon Spinks and Ryan Howard. Where would our nation be without the agricultural contributions of George Washington Carver? How would music be different without the compositions of Scott Joplin, Count Basie or Chuck Berry?
As the state Legislature and governor are beginning a new year, this issue is one that all proud Missourians, liberals and conservatives could rally behind. Missouri could join the states of Maryland, Florida and Delaware in recognizing and apologizing for this state’s involvement in slavery. By doing this, Missouri would be taking giant strides toward righting a wrong and healing old wounds. This act would help the state recognize the mistakes of the past and move toward a more positive, inclusive future for all of us.
Jonathan Hickman is a retired teacher residing in Kirkwood.
