DOCSLIB.ORG

Black Seminole Involvement and Leadership During the Second Seminole War, 1835-1842

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Black Seminole Involvement and Leadership During the Second Seminole War, 1835-1842 BLACK SEMINOLE INVOLVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP DURING THE SECOND SEMINOLE WAR, 1835-1842 BY Anthony E. Dixon A Dissertation submitted to the faculty of the University Graduate School in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of History Indiana University May, 2007 Accepted by the Graduate Faculty, Indiana University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Doctoral Committee: ________________________ Claude Clegg, Ph.D ________________________ Canter Brown, Ph.D ________________________ Akwesi Assenoh, Ph.D ________________________ Steven Stowe, Ph.D March 28, 2007 ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Throughout the course of this research, I realized that it truly becoming the culmination of years of training. I am very grateful for the patience of faculty, family, and friends. I would first like to thank: Dr. C. Clegg for supervising this process while having the patience to guide me each step of the way and Dr. L. Rivers, President Fort Valley State University, who has mentored me in such an unwavering and diligent manner. I offer gratitude to: The History and Political Science Department at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Dr. Theodore Hemmingway, Dr. David Jackson, Associate Professor of History at Florida Agricultural Mechanical University; Beverly G. Perkins, Florida Agricultural Mechanical University, Stacey Reese, Florida Agricultural Mechanical University, Daniel L. Schafer, Professor of History at University of North Florida, Ian Hancock, Professor of Linguisties at University of Texas at Austin; Dr. Canter Brown, Fort Valley State University; Dr Daniel Walker, Professor of History at University of California at Riverside; Joe Knetsch, Bureau of Survey and Mapping, Division of State Lands; James Cusick, Curator at P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History, University of Florida; Althamese Barnes, John G. Riley Museum; Gloria Steele, John G Riley Museum; Dr. Tameka Hobbs, Virginia; Dr. William “Billy” Hobbs, Associate Professor at Virginia State University; Annie Speights, Visiting Professor of Political Science at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University; Tyra Mason, Florida Agricultural Mechanical University; Erma Ellis, Florida Mechanical University; Dr. Andrew Manis, Professor of History at Macon State College; and Dr. Valerie Grimm, Associate Professor of History and African Diaspora Studies at Indiana University. iii As with anything worth having, this research has proven to be an arduous task. A task that would not have been accomplished without a support system. I am most grateful to my family: Dr. Clinton Dixon, Dr. Virginia Dixon, Dazon Dixon-Diallo, Chandra Dixon-Thomas, and Bruce Thomas. My spiritual, human, and scholarly development would be non-existent without them. I am truly blessed and thankful for you. I would also like to thank family and friends such as: Travis Walker, Andre Randolph, Deloris Walker, Troy Walker, Norman Walker, Bernice Smith, James Jones IV, Eddie “Sweat” Avant, Joseph “Jody” Isom, Anton Cooper, Notcha Lockett, Talibah Marin-Coleman, Timothy “Kulcha” Coleman, Dr. Naima Prince, Thaddeus Powell, Charles Mann, Larry Andrews, Virshawn Champion, Kieva Wiley, Claire Smith, and Patrick Barrett. Their support and contributions, were immeasurable to both my personal as well as my professional growth. I am very grateful. I am, because we are; We are, therefore I am. iv Abstract This thesis examines the involvement, leadership, and impact of the Black Seminoles during the Second Seminole War. In Florida, free Blacks, runaway slaves, and Blacks owned by Seminoles collectively became known as Black Seminoles. Black Seminoles either lived in separate communities near Seminole Indians, or joined them by cohabitating or intermarriage. Throughout this cohabitation, Blacks became an integral part of Seminole life by taking positions as advisers, counselors, and trusted interpreters to the English (who were rapidly advancing plantation society into territorial Florida). By the advent of the Second Seminole War, Black Seminoles, unlike their Seminole Indian counterparts were not given the opportunity to emigrate westward under the United States government’s Indian Removal Policy. The United States government’s objective became to return as many Black Seminoles, if not all, to slavery. Therefore, it became the Black Seminole’s objective to resist enslavement or re-enslavement (for many) on American plantations. The Introduction explains the objective and focus of this study. Moreover, it explains the need and importance of this study while examining the historiography of the Second Seminole War in relation to the Black Seminoles. The origins and cultural aspects of the Black Seminoles is the topic of chapter one. By examining the origins and cultural aspects of the Black Seminoles, this study establishes the autonomy of the Black Seminoles from their Indian counterparts. Chapter two focuses on the relationship and v alliance between Seminole Blacks and Indians. Research concerning Black Seminole involvement throughout the war allows chapter three to reconstruct the Second Seminole War from the Black Seminole perspective. A biographical approach is utilized in chapter four in order to understand the Black Seminole leadership. This chapter examines the lives of the three most prominent Black Seminole leaders during the war. The overall impact of the Black Seminole involvement in the war is the focus of chapter five. Chapter six summarizes this study and provides the historiography of the Second Seminole War with a perspective that has remained relatively obscure. It is clear that from the onset of the war, the United States government, military, and state militias grossly underestimated both the determination and the willingness of the Black Seminole to resist at all cost. Throughout the war, both United States’ military and political strategies were constructed and reconstructed to compensate for both the intensity with which the Black Seminoles fought as well as their political savvy during negotiations. This study examines the impact of the Black Seminoles on the Second Seminole War within the context of marronage and subsequently interprets the Second Seminole War itself as a form of slave rebellion. vi Table of Contents Title Page……………………………………………………..............................................i Acknowlegements………………………………………………………………………...iii Abstract..................………………………………………………………………………..v Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………..vii Table of Illustrations…………………………………………………………………….viii Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….1 Chapter 1…………………………………………………………………………………15 Origins and Cultural Character of the Black Seminole Chapter 2…………………………………………………………………………………35 Seminole and Black Seminole Alliance Chapter 3…………………………………………………………………………………55 Black Seminole Early Resistance and Involvement During the Second Seminole War Chapter 4………………………………………………………………………………..120 Black Seminole Leadership During the Second Seminole War Chapter 5………………………………………………………………………………..179 The Impact of the Black Seminoles on the Second Seminole War Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………...198 Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………205 vii Table of Illustrations Afro-Seminole Creole Language…………………………………………………………………………………25 Annual Distribution of Runaway Slaves………………………………………………..184 viii Introduction From 1817 to 1858, the United States government engaged in a bitter conflict with the Seminole Nation. This conflict would result in three distinct wars. The First Seminole War (1817-1818) is best defined as a retaliatory expedition to suppress the Seminole and black resistance to the encroachment of the Georgia plantation system in the Florida territory. The Second Seminole War (1835-1842) was conducted under the auspices of the Indian Removal Policy of the 1830’s. This war was a result of the American plantation societies’ relentless efforts to enslave the Black Seminole population. The Third Seminole War (1855-1858) erupted as a result of the United States’ attempt to remove the “last remnants of the Seminole Nation from their homes in the Everglades.”1 Research indicates a gradual process by which the United States attempted to acquire the Florida Territory and rid itself of the Seminole population while enslaving those Blacks who had become a part of or associated with the Seminole Nation. The Second Seminole War is regarded as the longest, deadliest, and most costly Indian war in American history. Recently, Florida historians have began to revisit the Second Seminole War with the assertion that the war itself was the largest slave insurrection in North America. Although Florida historians have made convincing arguments, there has not been an extensive study dedicated solely to Black Seminole efforts during the war. By focusing on the Black Seminoles involvement and leadership during the war, this research will reconstruct the Second Seminole War from the Black Seminole perspective, thus further bolstering the recent assertions made by Florida historians.2 1 This study has three primary goals. The first goal is to document the autonomy of Black Seminole society, thus countering the historiographical tendency to characterize Blacks as wholly dependent upon Indians. The second goal is to examine the Second Seminole War from the Black Seminole perspective. There have been several book- length studies on both the Second Seminole War and the Black Seminoles. However, there has not been a comprehensive study
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Seminole Indian Wars (1814-1858)
    THE SEMINOLE INDIAN WARS (1814-1858) Compiled by Brian Brindle Version 0.1 © 2013 Dadi&Piombo This supplement was designed to the cover three small American wars fought between 1814-1858 known today as the “Seminole Wars”. These Wars were primary gorilla style wars fought between the Seminole Indians and the U.S. army . The wars played out in a series of small battles and skirmishes as U.S. Army chased bands of Seminole worriers through the swamps IofN Florida. THE DARK In 1858 the U.S. declared the third war ended - though no peace treaty was ever signed. It is interesting to note that to this day the Seminole Tribe of Florida is the only native American tribe who have never signed a peace treaty with the U.S. Govern- ment. This Supplement allows for some really cool hit and run skirmishing in the dense The Seminole Wars and Vietnam are one vegetation and undergrowth of the Florida of the few confrontations that the U.S. swamps. It also allow s for small engage- Army have engaged in that they did not ments of small groups of very cunning definitively win. natives, adept in using the terrain to its best advantage fighting a larger, more HISTORICAL BACKGROUND clumsy, conventional army. In the early 18th century, bands of Muskogean-speaking Lower Creek In many ways Seminole War echoes the migrated to Florida from Georgia. They Vietnam War, both were guerrilla wars became known as the Seminole (liter- involving patrols out constantly, trying ally “separatists”). Floridian territory was to locate and eliminate an elusive enemy.
    [Show full text]
  • Black Seminoles Vs. Red Seminoles
    Black Seminoles vs. Red Seminoles Indian tribes across the country are reaping windfall profits these days, usually from gambling operations. But some, like the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, are getting rich from belated government payouts for lands taken hundreds of years ago. What makes the Seminoles unique is that this tribe, unlike any other, has existed for nearly three centuries as a mixture of Indians and blacks, runaway slaves who joined the Indians as warriors in Florida. Together, they fought government troops in some of the bloodiest wars in U.S. history. In the late 1830s, they lost their land, and were forced to a new Indian home in present-day Oklahoma. Over the years, some tribe members have intermarried, blurring the color lines even further. Now the government is paying the tribe $56 million for those lost Florida lands, and the money is threatening to divide a nation. Seminole Chief Jerry Haney says the black members of the tribe are no longer welcome. After 300 years together, the chief says the tribe wants them to either prove they're Indian, or get out. Harsh words from the Seminole chief for the 2,000 black members of this mixed Indian tribe. In response, the black members say they're just as much a Seminole as Haney is. www.jupiter.fl.us/history On any given Sunday, go with Loretta Guess to the Indian Baptist church in Seminole County, Okla., and you'll find red and black Seminoles praying together, singing hymns in Seminole, sharing meals, and catching up on tribal news.
    [Show full text]
  • PETITION Ror,RECOGNITION of the FLORIDA TRIBE Or EASTERN CREEK INDIANS
    'l PETITION rOR,RECOGNITION OF THE FLORIDA TRIBE or EASTERN CREEK INDIANS TH;: FLORIDA TRIBE OF EASTERN CREEK INDIANS and the Administra­ tive Council, THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA CREEK INDIAN COUNCIL brings this, thew petition to the DEPARTMENT Or THE INTERIOR OF THE FEDERAL GOVERN- MENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and prays this honorable nation will honor their petition, which is a petition for recognition by this great nation that THE FLORIDA TRIBE OF EASTERN CREEK INDIANS is an Indian Tribe. In support of this plea for recognition THE FLORIDA TRIBE OF EASTERN CREEK INDIANS herewith avers: (1) THE FLORIDA TRIBE OF EASTERN CREEK INDIANS nor any of its members, is the subject of Congressional legislation which has expressly terminated or forbidden the Federal relationship sought. (2) The membership of THE FLORIDA TRIBE OF EASTERN CREEK INDIANS is composed principally of persons who are not members of any other North American Indian tribe. (3) A list of all known current members of THE FLORIDA TRIBE OF EASTERN CREEK INDIANS, based on the tribes acceptance of these members and the tribes own defined membership criteria is attached to this petition and made a part of it. SEE APPENDIX----- A The membership consists of individuals who are descendants of the CREEK NATION which existed in aboriginal times, using and occuping this present georgraphical location alone, and in conjunction with other people since that time. - l - MNF-PFD-V001-D0002 Page 1of4 (4) Attached herewith and made a part of this petition is the present governing Constitution of THE FLORIDA TRIBE OF EASTERN CREEKS INDIANS.
    [Show full text]
  • SC History Unit 1: Exploration and Colonization PPT 2- Notes 8- 1.2 II
    SC History Unit 1: Exploration and Colonization PPT 2- Notes 8- 1.2 II. Europeans in the New World A. Spain 1. Spanish explorers, or conquistadors, led by Christopher Columbus (who was actually an Italian!) claimed large areas of Central and South America. 2. Initially searched for gold 3. Set up encomiendas (large plantations) 1. Used natives to produce wealth 2. Disease and overwork decimated (decreased severely) native populations 3. Imported African slaves to work the encomiendas and mines 4. Established Spanish culture in the area 1. Built cities and universities 2. Complex social class system 3. Government 4. Catholic religion 5. Extended search for gold into North America 1. Settlements in what is now Florida and SC and lands further SW 2. Established missions (religious outposts) along the Pacific coast B. France 1. French explorers were searching for the Northwest Passage (sea route connecting Atlantic and Pacific) 2. Established Montreal and Quebec along the St. Lawrence River, but just a few settled because of the cold climates 3. Established French culture in the area 1. Catholic religion, because French Protestants weren’t allowed to immigrate 2. Traded with natives for furs 4. Explored down the Mississippi River and claimed lands for King Louis XIV; called it Louisiana C. England 1. English explorers claimed lands along the east coast of North America for King James, initially 2. Later established permanent settlements- Virginia and New England 3. Came for gold, but stayed to grow tobacco 4. Established English culture in the area 1. Many settlers came to escape religious persecution and settled in societies based on their shared religious values; many were Protestant religions 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Investigating Second Seminole War Sites in Florida: Identification Through Limited Testing Christine Bell University of South Florida
    University of South Florida Scholar Commons Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate School 11-19-2004 Investigating Second Seminole War Sites in Florida: Identification Through Limited Testing Christine Bell University of South Florida Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd Part of the American Studies Commons Scholar Commons Citation Bell, Christine, "Investigating Second Seminole War Sites in Florida: Identification Through Limited Testing" (2004). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/952 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Investigating Second Seminole War Sites in Florida: Identification Through Limited Testing by Christine Bell A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Department of Anthropology College of Arts and Sciences University of South Florida Major Professor: Brent R. Weisman, Ph.D. Robert H. Tykot, Ph.D. E. Christian Wells, Ph.D. Date of Approval: November 19, 2004 Keywords: Historical archaeology, artifact dating, military forts, correspondence analysis, homesteads © Copyright 2004, Christine Bell i Acknowledgements None of this work would be possible without the support of family, friends, and the wonderful volunteers who helped at our sites. Thank you to Debbie Roberson, Lori Collins, and my committee members Dr. Weisman, Dr. Wells, and Dr. Tykot. I couldn’t have made it through grad school without Toni, and Belle, and even Mel. A special thanks to Walter for inspiring me from the start.
    [Show full text]
  • Choctaw and Creek Removals
    Chapter 6 Choctaw and Creek Removals The idea of indian removal as a government obligation first reared its head in 1802 when officials of the state of Georgia made an agreement with federal government officials. In the Georgia Compact, the state of Georgia gave up its claims to territorial lands west of that state in exchange for $1,250,000 and a promise that the federal government would abolish Indian title to Georgia lands as soon as possible. How seriously the government took its obligation to Georgia at the time of the agreement is unknown. The following year, however, the Louisiana Purchase was made, and almost immedi- ately, the trans-Mississippi area was seen by some as the answer to “The Indian Problem.” Not everyone agreed. Some congress- men argued that removal to the West was impractical because of land-hungry whites who could not be restrained from crossing the mighty river to obtain land. Although their conclusion was correct, it was probably made more in opposition to President Jefferson than from any real con- cern about the Indians or about practicality. Although some offers were made by government officials to officials of various tribes, little Pushmataha, Choctaw was done about removing the southeastern tribes before the War of 1812. warrior During that war several Indian tribes supported the British. After the war ended, many whites demanded that tribal lands be confiscated by Removals 67 the government as punishment for Indians’ treasonous activities. Many Americans included all tribes in their confiscationdemands , evidently feeling that all Indians were guilty, despite the fact that many tribes did not participate in the war.
    [Show full text]
  • The African American Soldier at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, 1892-1946
    University of South Carolina Scholar Commons Faculty Publications Anthropology, Department of 2-2001 The African American Soldier At Fort Huachuca, Arizona, 1892-1946 Steven D. Smith University of South Carolina - Columbia, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/anth_facpub Part of the Anthropology Commons Publication Info Published in 2001. © 2001, University of South Carolina--South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology This Book is brought to you by the Anthropology, Department of at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN SOLDIER AT FORT HUACHUCA, ARIZONA, 1892-1946 The U.S Army Fort Huachuca, Arizona, And the Center of Expertise for Preservation of Structures and Buildings U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District Seattle, Washington THE AFRICAN AMERICAN SOLDIER AT FORT HUACHUCA, ARIZONA, 1892-1946 By Steven D. Smith South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology University of South Carolina Prepared For: U.S. Army Fort Huachuca, Arizona And the The Center of Expertise for Preservation of Historic Structures & Buildings, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, Seattle District Under Contract No. DACW67-00-P-4028 February 2001 ABSTRACT This study examines the history of African American soldiers at Fort Huachuca, Arizona from 1892 until 1946. It was during this period that U.S. Army policy required that African Americans serve in separate military units from white soldiers. All four of the United States Congressionally mandated all-black units were stationed at Fort Huachuca during this period, beginning with the 24th Infantry and following in chronological order; the 9th Cavalry, the 10th Cavalry, and the 25th Infantry.
    [Show full text]
  • Slavery in the United States - Wikipedia Page 1 of 25
    Slavery in the United States - Wikipedia Page 1 of 25 Slavery in the United States Slavery in the United States was the legal institution of human chattel enslavement, primarily of Africans and African Americans, that existed in the United States of America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Slavery had been practiced by Americans under British rule from early colonial days, and was legal in all Thirteen Colonies at the time of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It lasted until the end of the American Civil War. By the time of the American Revolution (1775–1783), the status of slave had been institutionalized as a racial caste associated with African ancestry.[1] When the United States Constitution was ratified (1789), a relatively small number of free people of color were among the voting citizens (male property owners).[2] During and immediately following the Revolutionary War, abolitionist laws were passed in most Northern states and a movement developed to abolish slavery. Most of these states had a higher proportion of free labor than in the South and economies based on different industries. They abolished slavery by the end of the 18th century, some with gradual systems that kept adults as slaves for two decades. However, the rapid expansion of the cotton industry in the Deep South after the invention of the cotton gin greatly increased demand for slave labor, and the An animation showing when United States territories and states Southern states continued as slave societies. Those states attempted to extend slavery into the new Western forbade or allowed slavery, 1789–1861.
    [Show full text]
  • Fort King National Historic Landmark Education Guide 1 Fig5
    Ai-'; ~,,111m11l111nO FORTKINO NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK Fig1 EDUCATION GUIDE This guide was made possible by the City of Ocala Florida and the Florida Department of State/Division of Historic Resources WELCOME TO Micanopy WE ARE EXCITED THAT YOU HAVE CHOSEN Fort King National Historic Fig2 Landmark as an education destination to shed light on the importance of this site and its place within the Seminole War. This Education Guide will give you some tools to further educate before and after your visit to the park. The guide gives an overview of the history associated with Fort King, provides comprehension questions, and delivers activities to Gen. Thomas Jesup incorporate into the classroom. We hope that this resource will further Fig3 enrich your educational experience. To make your experience more enjoyable we have included a list of items: • Check in with our Park Staff prior to your scheduled visit to confrm your arrival time and participation numbers. • The experience at Fort King includes outside activities. Please remember the following: » Prior to coming make staff aware of any mobility issues or special needs that your group may have. » Be prepared for the elements. Sunscreen, rain gear, insect repellent and water are recommended. » Wear appropriate footwear. Flip fops or open toed shoes are not recommended. » Please bring lunch or snacks if you would like to picnic at the park before or after your visit. • Be respectful of our park staff, volunteers, and other visitors by being on time. Abraham • Visitors will be exposed to different cultures and subject matter Fig4 that may be diffcult at times.
    [Show full text]
  • Universidad Complutense De Madrid Tesis Doctoral
    UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID FACULTAD DE MEDICINA DEPARTAMENTO DE MEDICINA PREVENTIVA, SALUD PÚBLICA E HISTORIA DE LA CIENCIA TESIS DOCTORAL Blas de Lezo, sus cirujanos y el nacimiento de la cirugía española moderna MEMORIA PARA OPTAR AL GRADO DE DOCTOR PRESENTADA POR Antonio Pérez-Piqueras Gómez Directora Sagrario Muñoz Calvo Madrid, 2015 ©Antonio Pérez-Piqueras Gómez, 2015 BLAS DE LEZO, SUS CIRUJANOS Y EL NACIMIENTO DE LA CIRUGÍA ESPAÑOLA MODERNA TESIS DOCTORAL DE ANTONIO PÉREZ-PIQUERAS GÓMEZ DIRECTORA DE TESIS: PROFESORA SAGRARIO MUÑOZ CALVO DEPARTAMENTO DE MEDICINA PREVENTIVA, SALUD PÚBLICA E HISTORIA DE LA CIENCIA FACULTAD DE MEDICINA UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID 1 2 A Ana, Laura, Pilar y Cecilia 3 4 AGRADECIMIENTOS: A mi directora de tesis, Sagrario, quien siempre me ha guiado con acierto y ha sabido adaptarse a mis circunstancias familiares y laborales. A mis padres, José Luis y Esther y a mi abuelo Juan, por enseñarme a querer la historia de España desde niño. Especialmente a mi padre, por su ayuda en este trabajo y por ser el primero en hablarme de Blas de Lezo. A mi hermana Esther, sin la cual esta tesis no hubiera sido posible. También a Paco, Álvaro y Paloma, a quienes he privado de su esposa y madre en muchas ocasiones y nunca protestaron. A mis compañeros Felipe, Antonio y Noelia, de los que siempre obtuve colaboración y que no dudaron en redoblar su trabajo para que yo pudiera terminar esta tesis. A Juan Antonio Cebrián, el mejor comunicador de historia que he conocido. Su pasaje de la historia sobre Blas de Lezo fue el inicio de este trabajo.
    [Show full text]
  • Winter 2002 (PDF)
    CIVILRIGHTS WINTER 2002 JOURNAL ALSO INSIDE: EQUATIONS: AN INTERVIEW WITH BOB MOSES FLYING HISTORY AS SENTIMENTAL EDUCATION WHILE WHERE ARE YOU REALLY FROM? ASIAN AMERICANS AND THE PERPETUAL FOREIGNER SYNDROME ARAB MANAGING THE DIVERSITY Lessons from the Racial REVOLUTION: BEST PRACTICES FOR 21ST CENTURY BUSINESS Profiling Controversy U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS CIVILRIGHTS WINTER 2002 JOURNAL The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency first established by Congress in 1957. It is directed to: • Investigate complaints alleging that citizens are being deprived of their right to Acting Chief vote by reason of their race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, Terri A. Dickerson or by reason of fraudulent practices; • Study and collect information relating to discrimination or a denial of equal Managing Editor protection of the laws under the Constitution because of race, color, religion, sex, David Aronson age, disability, or national origin, or in the administration of justice; Copy Editor • Appraise federal laws and policies with respect to discrimination or denial of equal Dawn Sweet protection of the laws because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or in the administration of justice; Editorial Staff • Serve as a national clearinghouse for information in respect to discrimination or Monique Dennis-Elmore denial of equal protection of the laws because of race, color, religion, sex, age, Latrice Foshee disability, or national origin; Mireille Zieseniss • Submit reports, findings, and recommendations to the President and Congress; • Issue public service announcements to discourage discrimination or denial of equal Interns protection of the laws. Megan Gustafson Anastasia Ludden In furtherance of its fact-finding duties, the Commission may hold hearings and issue Travis McClain subpoenas for the production of documents and the attendance of witnesses.
    [Show full text]
  • A Prelude: Friars from Spain Preaching Justice
    PREACHERS FROM ABROAD 1786 - 1815 CHAPTER 1 A PRELUDE: FRIARS FROM SPAIN PREACHING JUSTICE With the Spanish invaders of the Americas in the 1500's came Dominican friars from Spain, sent to teach, heal and preach. Their mission reached from the islands of the Caribbean to Florida and Mexico, through Central and South America, and across the Pacific to the Philippines. In those places members of the Order of Preachers dedicated their lives to fighting oppression by teaching the truth of salvation; of human nature saved by Jesus Christ. Among those early friars only a few arrived in the land that is now the United States, but one of them was Antonio de Montesinos who raised the first cry for liberty in the western hemisphere. Map of the Americas (16th century): route of the Dominicans from Salamanca to Sto. Domingo, 1510 Only two years after the death of Columbus did the saga of the Spanish Dominicans on mission in the Americas begin. On October 3, 1508, the Master of the Order of Preachers, Thomas de Vio, or Cajetan, had requested that fifteen friars be sent from the University of Salamanca to La Espanola, the island in the Caribbean which today includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic.[1] The first four men arrived in September, 1510 at the Spanish stronghold of Santo Domingo, and made it their mission base. They were Pedro de Cordoba, the prior; Antonio de Montesinos; Bernardo de Santo Domingo; and Pedro de Estrada.[2] These friars would leave an indelible mark on the early struggle for human rights for indigenous peoples.
    [Show full text]