Black History

George Washington Williams: Turning Experience into History

It was during a trip to Europe that Williams met Leopold, a German prince who became the first king of the Belgians. Leopold spoke highly of the Congo, sparking Williams to visit several times. While there, he wrote two explosive articles about the treatment of Africans under Belgian rule: “An Open Letter to His Serene Majesty Leopold II, King of the Belgians and Sovereign of the Independent State of Congo” and “A Report Upon the Congo-State and Country to the President of the Republic of the United States.”

Published

3 years ago

January 9, 2022

Oakland Post

George Washington Williams was a preacher and historian.

By Tamara Shiloh

Best known as the man who exposed King Leopold’s “benevolent enterprise” in the Congo as brutal imperialism, George Washington Williams (1849–1891) was also an American historian, clergyman, politician, lawyer, lecturer, and soldier.

He was the first person to write an objective, researched history of Blacks in America. His first book, “History of the Negro Race in America” (1882), is one of the most important contributions any American has made to the field of history.

Williams had little academic education as a youth. He was, however, in the church “learning about Jesus,” he later wrote. His father, a laborer and troubled alcoholic, was often absent. His mother then worked outside of the home. These circumstances pushed young Williams into rebellion. His parents placed him in a refuge house for undisciplined and unruly children, where he could learn a trade.

It is said that Williams became a barber, but no evidence of that has been found. What is known is that he was desperate to leave the home, to seek freedom and independence.

When Williams learned that the door for African Americans to enlist in the Union Army had opened in 1862, he joined and fought in the Civil War. At the time, he was 14 years old and knew he didn’t meet the age requirements. Determined to leave the home, however, he used false names, likely William, or Charles Steward, according to historians.

When the Civil War ended in 1865, Williams enlisted in the Mexican army to help fight the French colonists.

He later enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1867 but only served one year. His military experiences would later prove to be influential in creating such works as “The Ethics of War, A History of the Negro Troops in the War of the Rebellion,” and “The Constitutional Results of the War of the Rebellion.”

Upon separation from the military, Williams returned to what he knew: “learning about Jesus.” He enrolled in the Newton Theological Institution where he prepared for the ministry and was ordained in 1874. He served as pastor of different churches while editing and publishing several journals. He also served in the Ohio House of Representatives (1879–1881) and would soon become a world traveler.

Leopold was devastated by the exposure of his harsh policies, mutilations, and brutal reign and tried to discredit Williams who continued to speak appeal to an international audience. Eventually, the Belgian government took over the Congo Free State. Williams traveled to other African colonies controlled by Great Britain, Portugal, and Egypt.

When the trip ended, Williams fell ill and died in England. He was 42.

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OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Published

2 weeks ago

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Oakland Post

Rhonda M. Smith.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners

Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”

That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.

That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.

The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.

These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.

I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.

About the Author

Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.