While our nation prepares to celebrate and reflect on another Juneteenth, I want to take a moment to honor a story that is buried deep in Civil War history — one that signals a major turning point for American society.
Often when we think about Juneteenth, we remember then President Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, We then think about the final word of freedom reaching Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, when U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 stating that “all slaves are free.”
Today, many see this as America’s second Independence Day and a testament of African Americans’ journey to freedom, justice and equal protection under the law. But before all the celebrations and jubilee, there was a great sacrifice and struggle to make America come to terms with the brutal institution of chattel slavery.
There is one example, in particular, worth noting.
It began in slave cabins on southern plantations, where Negro families strategized escape plans. Their journeys into the unknown led escaped slaves to Fort Scott Kansas, where they trained alongside free men to become part of the Union Army.
Under the direction and order of then United States Sen. James Henry Lane and the command of Colonel James Monroe Williams, the first African American Union militia was formed. The hopes, faith and dreams of more than four million enslaved people rested in the hands of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
The 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment was ordered to make their way to Bates County, Missouri. There, near the Kansas border, they established a base camp at the Toothman homestead farm. They renamed their base “Fort Africa.”
When Confederate guerillas arrived at Fort Africa, they knew they outnumbered the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment — many say as near 5 to 1. The Confederates thought it would be a swift victory for the South and the end of any future Black Regiments within the Union Army.
On Oct. 28, 1862, however, the tide of history would change forever. The two-day Battle of Island Mound is where men who had only known slavery, whips and chains their entire life would muster the bravery and courage to win.
The retreat on October 29, 1862, by the Confederates marked a turning point for the entire future of this country. A New York Times journalist on the ground noted a “desperate bravery” among the Union soldiers and quoted Confederate guerilla leader Bill Truman saying “the Blacks fought like tigers.”
Word of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment’s victory traveled fast and more Black men joined the Union Army. This, in turn, led to more African American regiments that helped lead to a Union victory.
Being African American and a living descendant, I know firsthand the challenges we face.
The ancient African proverb “together the ants can conquer the elephant” has stayed with us during our sojourn and struggle here in America and abroad. We have learned as a community that no matter how difficult our challenges are, with faith in God and unity among one another, we can conquer any problems we face.
The preservation of the United States of America is something we should all hold dear, no matter our internal strife and differences. The sacrifice of blood on America’s battlefields and on foreign soil should make us all pause and renew our efforts to work together for the common good of the nation.
In celebration of Juneteenth, let us remember the tremendous sacrifices of all the abolitionists, churches (both black and white), and families along the Ohio River that hid our ancestors under the dark of night to make the Underground Railroad a success story of the ages.
Let us remember the African American women who cared for our families during a tumultuous time.
Let us give thanks for the oral testimony passed down by those like 1st Sergeant George Washington, an escaped slave from Rappahannock County, Virginia, which helps us to understand the magnitude of what took place on that crisp fall day of October 29, 1862.
We must remember this time period, for it is the strength that will fuel during the difficult times that lay ahead for our country.
We must remember all of America’s history. There is healing and empowerment for all when we are able to see how far we have come in such a short period of time. Future generations will be encouraged to know that they are able to solve major and challenging problems — regardless of race — if they are able to understand that we are better united than divided.
We must remember Fort Africa and the Battle of Island Mound, the foundation of why we can celebrate Juneteenth today. It’s freedom not only for African Americans, it’s Freedom Day for all. Amen.
(Andre' Miguel Boyd)
Pastor Andre’ M. Boyd is the founder and pastor of Tuviah Christian Ministries. He and his wife, Leona (Sunshine) Boyd, are also part of the Fellowship of Prophetic Churches and Ministries based in Northern Virginia. Their son Jordan serves in the United States Air Force where, as a family, they reside in Farmington, Utah.