An Essay to Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America
Title
An Essay to Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America
Description
The following excerpt comes from an editorial that appeared in the Nubian Message, North Carolina State University's African-American student newspaper, first published on November 30, 1992.
In this editorial, Foster makes the case that citizens in the United States have not yet fully reckoned with the legacy of the Civil War. For example, Foster cites the persistence of segregation, exclusion, and discrimination in American social organizations. Furthermore, the editorial calls on white politicians and citizens to recognize the complicity of the U.S. Government in supporting the institution of slavery. Lastly, Foster expresses his concern over the gap in economic and social relations created by technology, which, in his mind, furthers the hate propagated by David and the Confederate States of America. In comparison to other editorials, Foster seems to target more of a white audience, although there is certainly a strong message conveyed to African-Americans as well, namely historian John Hope Franklin.
In this editorial, Foster makes the case that citizens in the United States have not yet fully reckoned with the legacy of the Civil War. For example, Foster cites the persistence of segregation, exclusion, and discrimination in American social organizations. Furthermore, the editorial calls on white politicians and citizens to recognize the complicity of the U.S. Government in supporting the institution of slavery. Lastly, Foster expresses his concern over the gap in economic and social relations created by technology, which, in his mind, furthers the hate propagated by David and the Confederate States of America. In comparison to other editorials, Foster seems to target more of a white audience, although there is certainly a strong message conveyed to African-Americans as well, namely historian John Hope Franklin.
Creator
B. Dwight Foster
Source
B. Dwight Foster, "An Essay to Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America," The Nubian Message 7, no. 10 (December 2, 1999), 4. Digitized by the Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
Date
1999-12-02
Contributor
Madison W. Cates
Language
English
Type
document
Text
What “burns me up†as my granny use to say is listening to historians like Duke University’s John Hope Franklin giving thoughtless advice to President William Jefferson Clinton that Clinton should not apologize for slavery. Yes, for the last time many Europeans didn’t own slaves- I agree with history. Hate was systematically carried out by our government though- therefore, you must agree with history as well, if our government did this, the figurehead of that government should ask for forgiveness for a grateful and indebted nation. Had it not been for slave labor which was ushered in without concern for health or wealth of the victims, any economist worth his or her salt will tell you that this nation would not be the powerhouse it has become if not for Free Labor.
Imagine that all the publicly traded companies and privately held firms, small and large, we, as well as, our beloved family members work as to pay our way through life were ordered and berated by those same enterprises to report to work without pay or any benefits! Oh the profits but, woe the expense!
Imagine that all the publicly traded companies and privately held firms, small and large, we, as well as, our beloved family members work as to pay our way through life were ordered and berated by those same enterprises to report to work without pay or any benefits! Oh the profits but, woe the expense!
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Citation
B. Dwight Foster, “An Essay to Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America,” The State of History, accessed April 18, 2024, https://soh.omeka.chass.ncsu.edu/items/show/33193.