The Forgotten Soldiers: African Americans in the American Independence War and Civil War

They fought for a country that didn’t yet recognize them as full citizens. Hidden in the tapestry of American heroism, their stories wait, bursting with valor, sacrifice, and irony. This is about the Forgotten Soldiers: African Americans in the American Independence War and Civil War.

The Ironic Glory: Fighting for Freedom, but Not Free

Let’s start with a thick slice of irony: imagine being an African American soldier in the Independence War or the Civil War. You're fighting for "liberty" or "union," but you aren't free. You're not even considered a full citizen. Oh, the audacity! You'd think the Founding Fathers and Confederate Generals were trying out material for a future Comedy Central special, given the contradictions.

But let’s not just crack jokes. The African Americans who fought in these wars were not laughing stock. They were game-changers, advocates for justice in the making. They were the embodiment of resilience, bravely carrying muskets and ideals even heavier than that. They navigated through social quagmires we can't even begin to understand, while also directly contributing to shaping this nation. They laid down their lives with the hopes of better days not just for themselves but for future generations.

The Forgotten Morning Salute

Now, how do you keep these ‘Forgotten Soldiers’ in your daily consciousness? Try this. Every time you sip your morning coffee—let’s call it your “Freedom Brew”—take a moment to reflect on what freedom cost and who paid its price. In your own way, salute these unsung heroes. A nod, a sip, and a silent thank-you. It’s a daily habit as simple as brushing your teeth, but with the depth of a thousand history books.

A Story to Ignite Your Patriotism

Now, ever heard of James Armistead? This man was a double agent during the American Revolutionary War. That's right—a Black double agent when America was still in beta testing. Hired by Lafayette, he infiltrated British camps, gaining the trust of none other than Benedict Arnold. Talk about playing 4D chess in a time of muskets and cannonballs! The intelligence he gathered was invaluable, turning the tide of battles and proving pivotal in the defeat of the British at Yorktown. Are you not riveted? Does that not shake your very understanding of the term "hero"? Share his story, not just because it’s jaw-dropping, but because it’s American history. Our history.

Black Cowboys of the Wild West: Rewriting History

When we think of cowboys in the Wild West, the image that often comes to mind is a rugged, white man atop a horse, conquering the frontier. However, this picture-perfect image of the American cowboy does not tell the whole story. In reality, Black cowboys played a significant role in shaping the history of the Wild West, but their contributions have been largely forgotten or overshadowed. It's time to rewrite history and give these trailblazers the recognition they deserve.

In the 19th century, as the United States expanded westward, the cattle industry boomed. With the increasing demand for skilled labor, many newly-freed slaves and other Black Americans saw opportunity in the cowboy life. It is estimated that at the height of the cattle-driving era, one in four cowboys was Black. Despite the harsh working conditions, Black cowboys embraced their newfound freedom and played a crucial part in taming the frontier.

One such figure is Bass Reeves, a former slave who became a legendary lawman in the Wild West. With over 3,000 arrests and 14 shootouts under his belt, Reeves is considered one of the greatest frontier lawmen in American history. Despite his remarkable achievements, Reeves' story remains relatively unknown, and his legacy is often overshadowed by his white counterparts.

Another trailblazer is Nat Love, also known as "Deadwood Dick." Born a slave in Tennessee, Love escaped to the West after the Civil War and became a renowned cowboy, skilled marksman, and expert horseman. He later penned an autobiography detailing his adventures, providing a rare and valuable glimpse into the life of a Black cowboy.

But why has the narrative of the American cowboy been so whitewashed? One reason is the popularization of the cowboy image through Hollywood and dime novels, which often depicted cowboys as white heroes, while Black cowboys were either ignored or relegated to subservient roles. This perpetuated the stereotype of the white cowboy and contributed to the erasure of Black cowboys from history.

The time has come to rewrite history and recognize the essential contributions Black cowboys made to the Wild West. By acknowledging and celebrating their stories, we can create a more inclusive and accurate representation of American history. Let's pay homage to these unsung heroes and ensure their legacies are remembered for generations to come.