Black History

Harriet Jacobs: A Beacon of Resistance Against the Darkness of Slavery

Within the fabric of American history, certain narratives rise above the rest, illuminating the darkest corners of our past while shedding light on the indomitable spirit of humanity. Among these luminous stories stands the remarkable tale of Harriet Jacobs, a woman whose life’s journey from bondage to freedom remains an enduring testament to the power of resilience and unwavering determination.

Published

7 months ago

October 10, 2023

Oakland Post

Harriet Jacobs. Public domain image by Adam Cuerden - Journal of the Civil War Era.

By Tamara Shiloh

Within the fabric of American history, certain narratives rise above the rest, illuminating the darkest corners of our past while shedding light on the indomitable spirit of humanity.

Among these luminous stories stands the remarkable tale of Harriet Jacobs, a woman whose life’s journey from bondage to freedom remains an enduring testament to the power of resilience and unwavering determination.

Born into slavery in Edenton, N.C., in 1813, Jacobs was destined to confront the harsh realities of an institution that dehumanized and oppressed millions. Her autobiography, “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,” transcends mere words on paper, offering an intimate window into her world and the injustices she endured.

From her earliest years, Jacobs navigated a labyrinth of pain and injustice. Separated from her parents and raised under the watchful eye of a relatively compassionate mistress, she was afforded a rare opportunity: an education. For an enslaved person, the ability to read and write was not only a forbidden skill but also a potential lifeline to liberation. Harriet seized this opportunity, laying the foundation for her later acts of defiance.

Yet, her fate took a darker turn when Dr. James Norcom, her owner, turned into a tormentor. His relentless advances and threats forced Harriet to make a harrowing decision. In a remarkable act of courage, she chose to disappear into the confines of a small attic crawlspace for nearly seven years. In this stifling and claustrophobic hiding place, she documented her experiences, using her newfound literary skills to pen her life story.

Jacobs’ narrative stands apart because it exposes not only the brutality of slavery but also the unique suffering endured by enslaved women. Her account sheds light on the pervasive sexual exploitation they faced, and the unimaginable challenges confronted by enslaved mothers who sought to protect their children from the same fate. Through her words, she unmasked the vulnerabilities and resilience of enslaved women.

Jacobs eventually found her way to freedom in the North, but her battle was far from over. She transitioned from enslaved woman to abolitionist, standing shoulder to shoulder with prominent figures such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Her tireless efforts included lecturing, penning articles, and raising funds to support the abolitionist cause.

The legacy of Harriet Jacobs endures as a vital part of American history and the ongoing fight for racial justice. Her autobiography continues to resonate today, offering an unvarnished perspective on the horrors of slavery and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

In the end, Harriet Jacobs’ life is a testament to unwavering courage, an unbroken spirit that defied the chains of oppression. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can transcend adversity. Harriet Jacobs, a true American hero, blazed a trail toward freedom and justice that still guides us today, challenging us to confront the injustices of the past and work toward a more equitable future.

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of May 8 – 14, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May May 8 – 14, 2024

Published

1 day ago

May 10, 2024

Oakland Post

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S.F. Black Leaders Rally to Protest, Discuss ‘Epidemic’ of Racial Slurs Against Black Students in SF Public School System

Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.

Published

1 week ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church. Photo courtesy Third Baptist Church.

By Carla Thomas

San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church hosted a rally and meeting Sunday to discuss hatred toward African American students of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church, along with leadership from local civil rights groups, the city’s faith-based community and Black community leadership convened at the church.

“There has been an epidemic of racial slurs and mistreatment of Black children in our public schools in the city,” said Brown. “This will not be tolerated.”

According to civil rights advocate Mattie Scott, students from elementary to high school have reported an extraordinary amount of racial slurs directed at them.

“There is a surge of overt racism in the schools, and our children should not be subjected to this,” said Scott. “Students are in school to learn, develop, and grow, not be hated on,” said Scott. “The parents of the children feel they have not received the support necessary to protect their children.”

Attendees were briefed last Friday in a meeting with SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne.

SFUSD states that their policies protect children and they are not at liberty to publicly discuss the issues to protect the children’s privacy.

Some parents said they have removed their students from school while other parents and community leaders called on the removal of the SFUSD superintendent, the firing of certain school principals and the need for more supportive school board members.

Community advocates discussed boycotting the schools and creating Freedom Schools led by Black leaders and educators, reassuring parents that their child’s wellbeing and education are the highest priority and youth are not to be disrupted by racism or policies that don’t support them.

Virginia Marshall, chair of the San Francisco NAACP’s education committee, offered encouragement to the parents and students in attendance while also announcing an upcoming May 14 school board meeting to demand accountability over their mistreatment.

“I’m urging anyone that cares about our students to pack the May 14 school board meeting,” said Marshall.

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.