Boston Common over time (hhbne)

via GIPHY

"Old Ceasar is the Best!"

Imagine. mid-1700s ‘lection days: when slaves were given unofficial titles of governors and kings in a great pageant.  Young masters and missus cheering on for their plantation’s ‘candidate’.  Why would they act this way?  Their parents would let them actually scream out, “Old Ceasar is the best!” 

In New England, Election Day was not just a special day to white citizens, but to the slave population as well. Depending on the location within New England, slaves in the mid-18th century elected black governors and kings. While the position of governor or king did not entitle the elected slave to official power, it gave the winner status among slaves.

The first elections of black kings and governors began in the early 18th century in New England capital cities and charter colonies. Elections were held in Newport, Rhode Island in 1756, in Hartford, Connecticut in 1766, and by the 1770s, in Norwich, Connecticut and Salem, Massachusetts. By the end of the 18th century, similar elections took place in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Danvers, Lynn, and North Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Black elections took place over the course of a week, and occurred at the same time as white elections.

The title of king or governor depended upon whether a slave lived in a colony or royal colony. In colonies where whites chose their own governors, such as Connecticut and Rhode Island, elected black officials were called governors. In royal colonies, such as New Hampshire, where white governors were appointed, black elected officials were called kings.

Food, activities, socializing, lobbying, and clothing were important to the celebration. Most slaves borrowed clothing from their masters and mistresses. The most popular attire was uniforms since it was considered dignified. A slave master was also aware of the importance of his slave's attire. Slaves had the same status as their master, so a poorly dressed slave was a reflection on the master. Therefore, masters did not hesitate to provide appropriate attire.

Election Day activities were also central to the celebration. Activities were a combination of African American and Euro-American traditions. For instance, from white traditions came pitching pennies and quoits and from black traditions came wrestling, stick fighting, and dancing. Other activities common to both cultures were running races and jumping activities.

Like in white elections, only men were allowed to vote, but women lobbied for the candidate they supported. Candidates also lobbied on their own behalf. Voting differed depending on the location. Some used voice vote, while in other places voters stood in line behind the candidate they supported.

After the results were tallied, candidates were honored in an inaugural parade. Gunfire and music accompanied participants as they marched to the post-election party. The parade ended at the home of the master of the slave governor or king. Slaves then enjoyed the post-election celebration given by the winner's master. The master of the elected official provided the food, alcohol, and decorations for the celebration. The festivities included dancing, drinking, and socializing.

While the black governor or king did not have official power, whites supported black elections. Whites thought that the elections were amusing and not a threat. It was also beneficial to them because they wanted to use black governors and kings as enforcers of social propriety. However, for slaves it was a time to freely socialize and take part in the festivities. For the newly elected official, he was able to enjoy the status of his position as king or governor.

                                                                            -Black Election Day in New England, By Jessica McElrath

Why did the master let this happen?

Same reason why they ‘abolished’ the word slavery…

Same reason they re-worded Plessey vs. Ferguson

Same reason they freed Mandela…

Same reason they hired Obama…

Seneca Village, NYC

"Most upsetting thing I've learned this semester: African Americans took thirty years to establish Seneca Village, NYC as an autonomous village with churches, homes, organizations where they could have freedom and exert political control. The village was destroyed by white backlash culminating in the creation of Central Park on that site to, which successfully erased it from the city's history." 

http://feedly.com/k/Lz3ciL

The T's expansion (and shrinkage) during past 117 years

The T's expansion (and shrinkage) during past 117 year:

How has the MBTA changed / grown / shrunk during the past 117 years?
Check out the visualization below to see the birth of the Green Line in 1895, the expansion of the Red Line through 1985, and the "repositioning" of the Orange Line. Descriptions of the changes included under the map.
http://www.vanshnookenraggen.com/_index/2012/04/an-animated-history-of-the-mbta/
(Permission granted by author)

[ idren alert. it is important the i.s remember the neighborhood movements of black folks, international immigrants and redlining agents' practices...thus equipped you will see that this is additionally a perfect slideshow in "CHARLIETOWNISM" ...gentlemanly trick if ick ok shun ].

LAST TOURS OF THE YEAR - Hidden History of Black Boston Tours

WHO IS THIS SISTER? What fight did black Bostonians support her in (1897)?






















This Saturday: 10am or 2pm.
This Sunday: 10am or 2pm.
Last tours of the year (smile).
We leave from the corner of Warren St. / Walnut Ave.
Come join the discussion & liberation education.

Have you seen the Slave Quarters? What connects the Ikem or 'shield' dance to the lives that the African captives experienced there?


Where in Boston?  We will see this court house building on the tour that was surrounded by enormous chains to keep our Boston RACE MEN from breaking out a captured 'fugitive slave' (a brother) in 1851.
Where in Boston?



We will visit this "Negro Town" that was re-moved (2nd black community removal) to the South End. More, we will discuss modern versions of 'planned' removals.


COME FIND OUT ON THE TOUR.

What are the symbols on this jar?  What is in the Jar?  What does that have to do with African people and their experience in BEANTOWN?
Come.  Find out on the Hidden History of Black Boston Tours THIS WEEKEND. 

Where in Boston?  What and why are these Black Folks protesting?  Hint: Hollywood's first block buster was an epic in racist propaganda.
Come find out what is going on in OURSTORY.   THIS WEEKEND.

Who is this?  And Where in Boston?  Hint: she was named after the slaver she was transported on from the Gambia which landed in Boston nearabouts today's paifang (red arch) at the entrance to china town. Learn more with us Come.  Find out on the Hidden History of Black Boston Tours THIS WEEKEND.