A Taste of Black History, by Chocolate Therapy

In honor of Black History Month, I wanted to inform those who do not know, and remind those who do, about Nat Turner. On October 2, 1800, Turner was born on a plantation in Virginia to his African-born slave mother. At the time his slave master’s name was Samuel Turner, hence Nat’s last name. Turner was known as an intelligent person and was seen as a prophet by his people; He had several visions which led him to believe that a slave revolt was necessary, including signs in the heavens and lights in the sky.

In February of 1831, an eclipse of the sun was the sign in the heavens Nat Turner needed to commence with his revolt. He then told 4 others he trusted of his plan. On August 13th of the same year, an atmospheric disturbance where the sun appeared bluish-green was the go-ahead final sign, and on August 21st Turner and six of his men met in the woods to eat and make plans. At 2:00 a.m., they headed to their master’s house killing the entire family in their sleep. They continued throughout the neighborhood going from house to house freeing slaves and killing any white person they came in contact with. They eventually amounted over 40 slaves and free blacks to assist with the rebellion, many on horseback.

On August 22nd, word had gotten out concerning the rebellion, and Turner and his rebels were confronted by whites causing them to scatter. After more encounters with whites, several rebels were captured. Turner was able to escape and hide near his master’s farm, but was eventually captured on October 30th. He was tried and sentenced to execution on November 11th of that year, in which he was hanged, skinned and dismembered by whites for souvenirs. In the aftermath, close to 200 black people were eventually accused of having a connection to the rebellion and/or were hanged or murdered by white mobs. In the end, the Turner revolt led to the killings of at least 55 white men, women and children.

Information provided by http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part3/3p1518.html.