In a move that is part of a larger effort to restore Confederate symbols, Defense chief Pete Hegseth is reintroducing a controversial painting of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at West Point. The painting, depicting Lee in his Confederate uniform accompanied by a slave, was originally displayed in 1952 during a period of racial segregation. Its reintroduction comes amidst efforts to reinstate Confederate symbols and honor figures who fought to preserve slavery, as was done during the Trump administration. This decision faces potential legal challenges due to existing laws concerning the removal of Confederate names and symbols from military institutions.
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An Oklahoma Republican representative defended a PragerU Kids video on national television that is part of the state’s elementary school curriculum. The video, “Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World,” features cartoon characters interviewing Columbus and discussing his actions, including slavery. Critics like Brett Chapman and Jabee Williams have condemned the video as racist and minimizing the horrors of slavery. Representative Woolley defended the video as a supplemental educational tool, claiming its remarks about slavery were being misconstrued and that the video aims to provide context about Columbus’s actions within a historical setting.
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OK Rep. defends history cartoon claiming slavery was ‘better than being killed’ is a truly disheartening headline, isn’t it? It’s the kind of statement that makes you question the very foundations of historical understanding and basic human decency. The fact that a public official would defend a narrative that frames slavery as a preferable outcome is not just wrong, it’s a profound betrayal of the values this nation claims to hold.
It appears this defense stems from a cartoon series aimed at children, a partnership between the Oklahoma State Department of Education and PragerU. This is particularly concerning, given the influence such content can have on young, impressionable minds.… Continue reading
White House official Lindsey Halligan, leading a review of the Smithsonian Institution, stated during a Newsmax appearance that discussions about slavery should include “hope and progress.” This comes after Halligan wrote to the Smithsonian Secretary announcing a “comprehensive internal review” of selected museums and exhibitions, prompted by President Trump’s criticism of the Smithsonian as “WOKE.” The review will focus on several museums including the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Smithsonian responded by affirming its commitment to factual and accurate historical presentations while stating they would continue to collaborate with the White House.
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The former president has initiated a review of the Smithsonian Institution, deeming it “WOKE” and “OUT OF CONTROL”. Trump’s criticism centers on the museums’ focus on historical shortcomings, particularly slavery, instead of highlighting success. This review follows similar actions against universities and is part of a larger effort to shape narratives about American history, with some questioning whether he understands the concept of a museum. The move has sparked controversy and raised concerns about historical revisionism, especially as it aligns with other recent interventions in institutions of learning and the arts.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has affirmed his commitment to preserving Confederate history, specifically defending the restoration of a Confederate monument in Arlington National Cemetery. This monument, the Moses Ezekiel Confederate Memorial, has been criticized for its romanticized and sanitized depiction of the Confederacy and slavery. Hegseth’s stance is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to reinstate Confederate symbols within the government. This decision has been met with opposition from those who believe these symbols whitewash the history of slavery.
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Harvard University’s 2022 report, “Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery,” detailed the institution’s extensive ties to the transatlantic slave trade and launched an initiative to identify living descendants of those enslaved by Harvard affiliates. Richard Cellini, tasked with leading this genealogical research, uncovered nearly 500 living descendants, prompting concerns from university administrators who allegedly sought to limit the number identified. This led to Cellini’s dismissal and the project’s redirection, raising questions about the university’s commitment to full transparency and reconciliation. Jordan Lloyd, a descendant discovered through this research, now grapples with the emotional complexities of her newly uncovered family history and the university’s response.
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The recent statement by a conservative influencer advocating for the reinstatement of slavery if the majority in a state desires it has sparked outrage and disgust across social media platforms. The blatant disregard for human rights and the lack of empathy displayed in such a statement is not only shocking but deeply troubling. The nonchalant attitude of “What do I give a shit” in response to the horrors of slavery is a clear reflection of the selfish and morally bankrupt mentality that seems to permeate segments of society.
The notion that taking away someone else’s rights is justifiable as long as it doesn’t directly impact oneself is a dangerous mindset that can lead to grave injustices.… Continue reading
Reading about Fawzia Amin Sido’s harrowing story of being kidnapped by ISIS at just 11 years old and forced into a life of unimaginable horrors is a stark reminder of the atrocities that innocent individuals endure in conflict-stricken regions. The fact that she was trafficked from Iraq to Gaza, where she was essentially held captive, is abhorrent and highlights the dark underbelly of human trafficking and slavery that still persists in our world today.
To think that a young girl, robbed of her childhood and innocence, was subjected to such unspeakable acts is beyond comprehension. The trauma she must have experienced is unimaginable, and the long-lasting effects on her mental and emotional well-being are likely profound.… Continue reading
As I reflect on the recent news of Mississippi Governor Reeves proclaiming Confederate Heritage Month, I can’t help but feel a sense of disbelief and disappointment. How can a state in the 21st century still be celebrating a heritage rooted in racism, slavery, and treason? It’s baffling to me that in a country as diverse and progressive as the United States, there are still people clinging to a past that represents the worst aspects of humanity.
The Confederacy was a failed traitorous uprising that lasted a mere four years, yet Governor Reeves and others are intent on glorifying this dark chapter in American history.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood