Tensions were high in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. It was the first presidential election since the Civil War, and free Black people’s votes were crucial.
The day before elections, a white mob gathered, intent on preventing Black power.
The mob cornered a freedman named Eugene Lock,and attacked him when he refused to be intimidated. But Lock shot back! Sadly, he was outnumbered, and they murdered him.
News of the altercation spread. The mob grew more violent.
For days they hunted Black people, murdering them in the streets and plundering their homes. Nowhere was safe.
Some, like Louis Wilson, narrowly escaped and hid in cane fields. Others retaliated with violence. But their punishment was severe.
100 Black freedmen were arrested for murdering ONE mob member. Most weren’t even involved in the 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 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 NEVER cower to white supremacy!