Although the case of Dred Scott, a slave who sued for his freedom in 1847, seems to go unnoticed, most of what came out of that Supreme Court decision, still haunts us.

Oddly it took ten years [1857], for them to decide blacks of African ancestry could never be citizens of this country, so he had no right to sue. Of course, looking back at that period, that verdict would be expected. But more influential in that decision was Chief Justice Roger Taney who resided over the case, was a strong supporter of slavery.

So in most situations where we're expecting fairness, there's already something working against us, primarily because bigotry already exist within those who sometimes gives us the usual "we'll see", even though the decision of that case wasn't in favor of Mister Scott.

No one could say it didn't make our motives clearer in regards to how we were used and why we needed our freedom in order to change more of it from happening. Besides, having additional political and national significance also played a major part in the freeing of slaves.

But here we are many decades after that decision, still trying to practically establish our place in a country that refuse to give-way, although they have profited from our labor. But there is rare commentary about Europeans where many are still illegal, who came here long after us and committed themselves to almost nothing that would make a difference, yet they have grown to be that element we're in conflict with, because many are now in the position to hinder our chances.

I may criticize my own sometimes trying to get them to be more accountable to each other. But knowledgeable blacks have learned - dealing with most important situations - it's a must, especially now being in the middle of troubled times, in addition to listening to politics about immigration, the economy, the war, healthcare and social security.

The attention for them seems to be interrupted more often today for roundabout issues relating to us: the use of the word nigger, black rappers habits or dialogue, blacks suddenly at odds about Senator Obama's sincerity or qualifications as a black person wanting to be president, Condoleezza Rice's strange relationship with the president that maybe kept her from resigning her post as quickly as Colin Powell, etc.

Unfortunately, our so-called leaders get involved or react impulsively. Since they often end up in the media, it shadows out those things we need to concentrate on, that really affect our lives.

If your healthcare, social security and jobs are in tact, hearing someone use the "N" word or being upset with a genre of music that will eventually fade away, shouldn't matter. On the other hand, the deal regarding immigration has already been made years ago in an unknown place. But neither misses Rice or Obama can insure our needs will be taken care of, if we're not determined about those issues.

Recently there was a survey comparing the capabilities of blacks in schools of higher learning to those of immigrant parents. Without elaborating more on the details, their findings were less favorable in our behalf. But it's nothing more than tossing a wrench into our efforts by using any comparative to play-down what we do to agitate our spirit.

Their intent is to continue pushing us down to another level if we let them, to keep our children from believing they're capable of aspiring beyond the area of a rap lyric, or a job at Walmart. I call it ethnic browbeating, which they have used long before slavery, believing the recipients will most likely concede.

Today if we look at the long awaited results concerning reparations, we would see a different advocate who's also working against us, unfortunately some are black, but in skin color only. But during the period when Dred Scott felt he needed his freedom, other than his wife, blacks would be expected to support him, since most were in the same conditions.

Although there have been many improvements in the lives of blacks, the desire to continue supporting each other have changed, primarily because few have been willing to make the necessary sacrifices. Above all, the courts have always been our nemesis, detaining or changing more than half of our chances for complete entitlement.

So Dred Scott or the decision from that case should always be something we should be concerned about, because somewhere in the dialogue and frequent injustices, our rights as a group may still be in question.

Dred Scott, born in Virginia around 1800

Trial began suing for his freedom in 1847
[Final decision 10 years later in 1857.
[Not recognized as citizen because of ancestry, had no right to sue.

Eventually he and his wife were set free after the son's of his former master purchased them. Unfortunately 9 months later he died.

© May 2007 By Thomas Duffy
Afromerica staff writer

Brother Thomas Duffy will be keeping the Black community updated on the most current Black expereinces effecting our lives. Visit regularly for new information that could help you overcome and make the best of your everyday experiences.

To subscribe to Duffy's column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail T Duffy at: tduffy870@msn.com or tomas@afromerica.com

Submit an article
Join the Mailing List
Join a Discussion

Afromerica: Where its all Black & white and some gray areas.

[TOP]     [BACK TO COLUMN]