Tensions were high in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. It was the first presidential election since the Civil War, and free Black people’s votes could transform America.
The day before elections, a white mob gathered – intent on preventing Black power!
The mob cornered a freedman named Eugene Lock. When he refused to be intimidated, they attacked – and he shot back! But he was outnumbered, and they murdered him.
News of the altercation spread. The mob grew – and grew more violent.
For days it hunted Black people, murdering them in the streets and plundering their homes. Nowhere was safe – but our people were resilient!
Some, like Louis Wilson, narrowly escaped being murdered and took cover in cane fields. Others retaliated with violence. But their punishment was severe.
100 Black freedmen were arrested for the murder of ONE mob member. Most weren’t even involved in his killing! No mob members were arrested.
The message was clear – despite the end of the Civil War, white supremacy remained law.
This massacre, like many others, was hidden from history until recently, when a teacher discovered that many of his students were direct descendents of those involved in the massacre! Many of us currently live in areas of unresolved racial trauma.
The massacre was horrible. But like those who defended themselves, we must be resilient – and NEVER cower to white supremacy!