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Tue, 09.08.2009

Black Seminoles Defeat American Troops at Okeechobee

On this date in 1837, during the Second Seminole War, Seminole Indians defeated U.S. troops in the Battle of Okeechobee in Florida.

Chief John Horse (a Black man) shared command with Alligator Sam Jones and Wild Cat, fighting General Zachary Taylor.  Blacks were “fearless” fighters in numerous battles with U.S. troops.  Blacks also served as scouts, interpreters, and even spies with the American troops. In 1849, the U.S. Attorney General's office ruled that Black Seminoles were slaves by law.  The U.S. government actively promoted slavery among relocated Native American tribes.

Even tribes who had never practiced slavery before were encouraged to do so. The same year, John Horse founded the city of Wewoka in Oklahoma. It served as a refuge for runaway slaves.

New Poem Each Day

Poetry Corner

these hips are big hips they need space to move around in. they don't fit into little petty places. these hips are free hips. they don't like to be... HOMAGE TO MY HIPS by Lucille Clifton
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