Member-only story

An African Revolutionary: Ohio Short Histories of Africa

John Green

·11.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Thomas Sankara: An African Revolutionary (Ohio Short Histories Of Africa)

4 min read · 2 weeks before

530 View Claps

31 Respond

Save

Listen

In the annals of African history, the name Nat Turner stands tall as a symbol of resistance and rebellion. As a slave in the antebellum South, Turner led a bloody uprising in 1831 that sent shockwaves throughout the United States and beyond. His story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the African people in the face of oppression.

Born into slavery in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1800, Turner exhibited an early thirst for knowledge and a deep interest in religion. He became a preacher and gained a reputation as a charismatic and influential figure among the enslaved population. Inspired by the Haitian Revolution and the teachings of abolitionists, Turner began to formulate plans for an uprising.

Thomas Sankara: An African Revolutionary (Ohio Short Histories of Africa)

by Ernest Harsch

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	404 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Southampton Insurrection

On the night of August 21, 1831, Turner and his followers launched their attack on slaveholders in Southampton County. Armed with axes, knives, and firearms, they swept through the countryside, killing dozens of white men, women, and children. The insurrection lasted for several days, as Turner and his band of rebels evaded capture by the authorities.

News of the Southampton Insurrection spread like wildfire, causing widespread panic and fear among the white population. The state of Virginia mobilized its militia and deployed thousands of soldiers to hunt down Turner and his followers. After a bloody pursuit, Turner was captured and sentenced to death. He was hanged on November 11, 1831.

Legacy of Nat Turner

Nat Turner's rebellion was a watershed moment in the history of the American South. It exposed the deep racial tensions and the brutality of the slave system. The insurrection also had a profound impact on the abolitionist movement, galvanizing support for the cause of ending slavery.

Turner's legacy as a revolutionary and a symbol of resistance continues to inspire generations of African Americans. His story has been told and retold through books, films, and other works of art. In 2003, the Virginia state legislature passed a resolution officially recognizing Turner as a "heroic figure in the struggle for freedom and justice."

African Short Histories

Nat Turner's story is not an isolated incident in African history. Throughout the continent, there have been countless other examples of Africans resisting oppression and fighting for their freedom. These stories, often overlooked or marginalized, are vital to understanding the rich and complex history of Africa.

One such story is that of the Mandinka Revolt of 1919 in The Gambia. Led by a young schoolteacher named Edward Francis Small, the revolt was a response to British colonial rule and the exploitation of African labor. Small and his followers attacked British outposts and proclaimed the establishment of an independent Mandinka state. The revolt was ultimately suppressed by British forces, but it remains a powerful example of African resistance to colonialism.

Another notable story is that of the Mau Mau Rebellion in Kenya from 1952 to 1960. The Mau Mau were a group of Kenyan peasants who fought against British colonial rule and the confiscation of their lands. The rebellion was brutally suppressed by the British, but it played a major role in Kenya's eventual independence in 1963.

These are just a few examples of the many African short histories that deserve to be recognized and celebrated. By shedding light on these stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the African experience and the indomitable spirit of its people.

The story of Nat Turner and the Southampton Insurrection is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice in the world. It is a story that should be told and remembered for generations to come. By learning about the African short histories, we can gain a better appreciation of the complexities of the African experience and the resilience of its people.

Thomas Sankara: An African Revolutionary (Ohio Short Histories of Africa)

by Ernest Harsch

4.7 out of 5