Should We Celebrate The Sesquicentenial?
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Posted By: Rudolph Hickman on January 06, 2011 In many local communities around the country, civic groups, historical societies, museums and local governmental agencies are gearing up to 'celebrate' the sesquicentennial - the 150TH Anniversary of The Civil War. That's right pilgrims, our country is celebrating one of the most divisive and darkest periods in our nations history. On the one hand, I can find something about this event to celebrate i.e., the triumph of freedom for all over slavery. In Virginia, however, local leaders have elected to somehow revise history to portray the action of the secessionist states as noble and somehow worthy of special recognition and celebration. With this, I have a problem. It is one thing to retell the tragic story of the civil war in the light most favorable to all concerned. It's quite another to sweep the ugliness and inhumanity of slavery under the proverbial rug and attempt to glorify, qualify or objectify the actions of those who chose and died for the proposition of slavery over nationalism. For example, a rather extensive article in The Richmond Times Dispatch (January 3, 2011) sought to explain why we should celebrate the civil war era. It did so by adopting the premise that Virginia was among the last states to vote for secession. It went on to report some of the difficult choices that state leaders had to make in the wake of deciding whether to vote for succession. For me, the article was devoid of real substance, and failed to decry Virginia's decision to side with those who chose treason over the principle of freedom and justice for all. The article was relevant and instructive in one way, however; It served to demonstrate there are still elements out there who are convinced that the action of the southern states was just and actionable. Now, today, as we celebrate the dawn of the first year of the second decade of the 21st century, collectively, we still are unable to discern the meaning of the most defining and seminal event in our nation's history. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays once said that the question of race is the greatest social issue that our country will ever face. He further opined that the manner in which America chooses to address this challenge will ultimately determine its destiny. I agree with Dr. Mays assessment and am saddened that we have not engaged in the acknowledgment and reconciliation process that is required for real harmony to prevail. What's your opinion? If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Rudolph Hickman
Owner, Rudolph Hickman Photography Virginia Union University class of 1974 Member Since August 2005 |
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