Fig. 3. Top: “Horrible Massacre” (Washington Republican, Salem, Indiana, Friday, May 21, 1847, and Carroll County Democrat (Maryland), April 29, 1847 and Slave Ship Shackles
Bottom: Slave Shackles and Collar
England outlawed slavery by the 1800s; however, Africa was addicted to slavery’s wealth and continued the practice until modern times. Many Africans were not ready to let go of the slave trade and lower their lifestyle. Although most East African slavers were Arab, most West African slavers were black. It should be noted that most African Americans are of West African descent. Many slaves were taken by war between competing West African tribes. For example, an article that appeared in an Indiana and Maryland newspaper in 1847 described the execution of two thousand slaves by a warring black tribe. This incident occurred at a slave port called Gallineous on Ascension Island in the Atlantic Ocean between Africa and South America. Gallineos appears to be a West African port. Since many black West African tribes were slavers, it is assumed these slavers were black tribesmen. The article speaks for itself.
Traditionally, African American slaves were viewed as victims of capitalistic white slave traders. This belief supports an identity of dependency and lack of personal responsibility. When people deny responsibility for their predicament, they also lack the belief that they can change it. Blacks played a large part in supporting the slavery system. For example, a free black man from New Orleans said to General Butler, “General, we come from a fighting race. Our fathers were brought here slaves because they were captured in war, and in hand to hand fights, too. We are willing to fight. Pardon me, General, but the only cowardly blood we have got in our veins is the white blood.” Not only did this man take responsibility for his people’s enslavement, but he also took responsibility for winning their freedom. He became an officer in the first black Union regiment and led his men in the first major battle. Accepting responsibility for one’s position is a major step toward healing.