In 1859, the fight against chattel slavery seemed impossible. But to white abolitionist John Brown, the only answer was violent insurrection – and he was so devoted to Black liberation he sacrificed EVERYTHING!
But he wasn’t alone.
Though Brown did gather weapons and plan the infamous raid on Harpers Ferry, five Black soldiers were there fighting for their own liberation, too! As usual, they were forgotten by history in favor of the white savior.
John Anthony Copeland, Lewis Sheridan Leary, Dangerfield Newby, Shields Green and Osborne Perry Anderson all took huge risks by joining the initially successful raid. Green, for example, had to first escape from slavery in Charleston, SC.
Many know Brown was eventually captured and defiantly refused to surrender to save his life. After being tried for treason and executed, he’s now considered America’s “first terrorist.”
But what about Newby, whose body was cut into souvenirs before being fed to hogs? Or Leary, who died trying to flee for his life across the Shenandoah River?
Whether it’s 1859 or 2022, most white people won’t fight like John Brown. Non-Black allies who truly care give their lives and conspire alongside us to end white supremacy once and for all.
But whether allies stick by our side or not, we’ll continue to live and die for our OWN liberation.