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Thomas Garrett and Sam McAllum
Quote:
THOMAS GARRETT: abolitionist
Thomas Garrett was caught more than once helping runaway slaves. Judges
fined him so much money that he had to sell his land, farm, and, finally,
even his house. Right in court, Mr. Garrett told one judge: "I
used to worry about how I would care for my wife and children. You have
relieved me of that worry. I tell you, any of you, if you know any man
in need of help, send him to Thomas Garrett!"
In
Their Own Words: personal stories
Sam McAllum, Mississippi. Age 95 when interviewed
" Times were mighty tough. Us thought us knowed trouble during
the war. Um-m-m. Us didn’t know anything about trouble. Mistis put
us out [hired out her slaves for wages, to be paid to herself]. She sent
me to Mr. Scott….I was almost a grown boy by then and could plow
pretty good.
Come the surrender, Mr. Scott said, “Sambo I don’t have to
pay your mistis for you no more. Negroes is free. I have to pay you if
you stay. You is free.”
I didn’t believe it. I worked that crop out but I didn’t ask
for no pay. I didn’t understand about Freedom, so I went home to
my old mistis. She said, “Sambo, you don’t belong to me now."….
Sam tried working in different places. One man promised to teach
Sam to read in payment for work. He lied. Sam said,
" …aint never seen no speller nor nothing…but
us worked that crop out. My mammy and me went back to McAllum’s
[their old mistress and master] and stayed until a man give us a patch
[of land] in return for us helping him on his farm."
Some people were confused when freedom came. They had never been
paid for work. They had never owned land or learned to read or write.
Some people didn’t know how to get work or where to go. Many people
had been told lies by white people and beaten and hurt by white people.
Who could be trusted? What should they do?
Let’s Talk About It
- When your grandparents
were kids, many black and white children attended separate schools.
“White” schools had better buildings, more special classes,
libraries, and opportunities. The U.S. government forced all states
to integrate* schools so African American and white children could learn
together and have equal opportunities. Some people hoped that, by going
to school together, kids would become friends. They hoped friendship
would help stop racism. In order to integrate schools, some neighborhoods
were split up. Black children rode busses to schools in the “white”
neighborhoods – sometimes miles away. White children left the
schools near their houses and rode busses to the schools in neighborhoods
where mostly African American people lived. Today, some people wonder
if this has been a good idea. Some African American parents want their
children to go to school in the neighborhoods where they live. What
do YOU think? Has “bussing” children to far away schools
helped stop racism? Has it made education more equal for everyone?
- Integrate: white
and black children attending school together
For any remarks, suggestions, or broken links:
Please email us at:
history@tds.net
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