Nearly two hundred years ago today, the enslaved African American preacher, Nathaniel “Nat” Turner , began a four day slave rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia. It is estimated that Turner and roughly 70 enslaved men killed at least 55 whites. In the aftermath of the insurrection, most of the men were captured, convicted, executed or sold to slave owners in other states.
Historians believe that before the Civil War, enslaved people organized over 300 rebellions. The consequences were harsh if caught, yet the enslaved individuals involved maintained a strong desire for freedom. Naturally slave owners become suspicious, and responded with terror. In the case of Nat Turner, more than 100 black people with no connection to the rebellion were killed by white mobs. States also began to enforce Slave Codes, which prevented slaves from assembling in groups, earning money, or learning how to read.
Nat Turner was 31 in November of 1831 when he was captured and hung by white Virginians for his radical rebellion.
Research indicates that Turner was waiting on a “sign” from God before acting. On February 12, 1831 a solar eclipse appeared to him as “a black angel occulting a white one”, symbolizing black overcoming white. Tuner and his militia planned to proceed on the Fourth of July, but postponed as he fell ill. He waited for another sign. On August 13th he witnessed another solar eclipse: the second sign.
Nat’s religious and spiritual practices did much to influence his opinions on human behavior with respect to race, gender and class. Throughout the past century, Black American leaders have shifted their focus towards circles in education and entertainment, two products stemming from the institutional Black church. While their speech and demeanor may reflect the essence of a clergyman, the means by which they arrive to self-discovery and liberation include more than ecumenical services, prayer, good deeds and meditation, but also critical thinking, cross referencing, logic and reason, creative writing, and performing arts.
Bennett Jr., L. (1962). Ebony, 17(4), 81.
Carver Edwards, J. (2015). The Land Shall Be Deluged in Blood: A New History of the Nat Turner Revolt. Library Journal, 140(17), 99.
Lusted, M. A. (2016). The Call to Fight SLAVE REBELLIONS. Cobblestone, 37(9), 8