Nat Turner was about that life. Never believe these lies white historians love telling about the man who risked everything for Black liberation.
Lie #1: He Was Just A Preacher
Turner was a preaching man, but he didn’t stop at sermons and prayer. He let his faith inspire him every step of the way, including the last moments of his rebellion.
Turner believed the spirit spoke to him and that a solar eclipse he spotted was a sign from God to help liberate his people.
Lie #2: He Was The Sole Mastermind
He wanted badly to liberate the enslaved people of Southampton County, but he knew he couldn’t do it alone. Though Turner led the rebellion, it was a collective effort to fight for liberation. Many of the followers he recruited helped kill over 50 enslavers, and their families.
Lie #3: He Was Only Lynched
White supremacy is so vile that Turner’s death didn’t just end at his lynching. According to a 1920 article by John Crowell, “Turner was skinned to supply such souvenirs as purses, his flesh made into grease, and his bones divided as trophies to be handed down as heirlooms.”
Like Nat Turner, our fight will require a bit of faith, sometimes violence, and working collectively. Regardless of the strategy, we must be willing to take our liberation by any means necessary.