White nationalism has always found a way to invade our spaces. From the KKK forming after Reconstruction to white vigilantes shooting us in public spaces, groups and individuals spewing hatred aren’t new to the landscape. But neither is our resistance. Here are three examples of what we mean.
1. When the Klan attacked peaceful civil rights protesters in Bogalusa, Louisiana, in 1965, the community was infuriated. A group of men formed the Deacons for Defense and Justice. The next time a terrorist fired at protesters the Deacons fired back. It was the same for those “up north,” too.
2. During the Red Summer of 1919, Black troops returned from World War I, ready to fight for our rights. When white citizens retaliated with unprecedented violence, these same veterans protected our communities and each other. Some of our resistance even changed how the nation views guilt.
3. When Black farmers in Elaine, Arkansas, met at their church, white terrorists lost their minds. Terrified that Black people were “planning something,” a small mob shot into the church. When the farmers fired back, one of the terrorists was killed. After many long, tedious court battles, this case was escalated to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the farmers.
It’s a lie that our ancestors passively accepted the foolishness hurled at them. Fighting back is in our DNA.