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America's historical truth suppressed
By John Miller
jmill201@mscd.edu

Photo by Andrew Bisset • abisset1@mscd.edu Manning Marable speaks Feb. 21 at the Tivoli Turnhalle about the history of slavery in America and what he called the “selective suppression of historical truth” about slavery.

Several American institutions used slavery to help build their regimes, according to historian and human rights activist Manning Marable, who gave a speech Feb. 21 in the Tivoli Turnhalle.

He punctuated his claims by proclaiming that American history was a “selective suppression of historical truth” and that “being white means never having to say you’re sorry.”

With more than 200 people in attendance representing many races, Marable gave several examples of institutions linked to slavery. Brown University, an Ivy League school in Rhode Island, was named for Nicholas Brown, a 17th-century slave trader. Brown made hundreds of trips to Africa during the 1790s and procured more than 100,000 Africans for enslavement in the United States. In recognition of a gift from Brown, the former College of Rhode Island was renamed Brown University in 1804.

Other examples included JP Morgan Chase & Co., which bought and sold slaves during the 19th century, and Wachovia Corp., which allowed borrowers to use slaves as collateral for loans during the same time frame.

A visceral example of selective history came in the form of a juxtaposition. The location in Dallas where John F. Kennedy was assassinated is referred to as “hallowed ground, as it should be,” Marable said. By contrast, in 1831 some 200 slaves were burned alive, beheaded or lynched on suspicion of participating in the Nat Turner uprising. One of the heads was set on a post by a road, and it was called Blackhead Signpost Road for decades afterward.

“In a racist society, blacks are not entitled to anything hallowed,” Marable said.

He also showed a dry, sarcastic sense of humor. While briefly discussing civil rights icon Malcolm X, he commented slyly that “it’s not likely there will be any songs or poems written for Clarence Thomas or Condoleezza Rice.” The sardonic aside drew snickers and laughter from the audience.

Malcolm X was the subject of his speech the last time he spoke at Metro, 15 years ago to the day. Feb. 21 was also the anniversary of Malcolm X’s assassination. During his speech in 1992, Marable gave the following assessment of Malcolm X’s theory about racial assimilation and integration: “The mainstream was racism, capitalist exploitation, all kinds of ideologies which were backward and anti-human. Why would you want to integrate with a sewer?”

Marable is currently a professor of public affairs, political science, history and African-American studies at Columbia University in New York. From 1989 to 1993 he was a professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder. A prolific author, he has published more than 200 articles and 21 books. The content of his most recent book, Living Black History: How Reimagining the African-American Past Can Remake America’s Racial Future, was the subject of his speech.

During an interview shortly before Wednesday’s event, Marable acknowledged that his views had evolved since 1992, but was unspecific as to how. He added that “capitalism as a system is deeply dehumanistic.” He identified such agenda as affordable health care and free, quality education for all American citizens as socialistic in nature. Because he supports these agenda, he acknowledged that he is a socialist.

He also acknowledged his support of Democratic candidates such as John Kerry, arguing that the Democratic Party is not solely about capitalism, as the Republican Party is. He went on to describe a concept he called “inside/outside,” wherein positive change can be effected by starting with the inner circle of hierarchy and working outward, in this case the white conservative constituency that dominates America’s government.

It is with this shift in strategy that one can find where Marable has evolved.

“My politics have never been solely about electoralism,” he said.

Nor is he any more eager to assimilate into a sewer. He believes that to fight racial discrimination and inequality, it is necessary to start at the core, with a party that is amenable to change. It is a decided departure from the uncompromising stance of Malcolm X.