By Clifford L. Williams

The Richmond City Council made history at this week’s meeting when Mayor Gayle McLaughlin read a proclamation honoring the African Americans who fought at Harper’s Ferry on Oct. 16, 1859.

   “ … On a day like today, Oct. 16, 1859, 148 years ago, African Americans Osborn P. Anderson, John Copeland, Lewis Leary, Shields Green and Dangerfield Newby decided that they had had enough of the slave owing society, and armed with Sherman rifles, they joined the military invasion of Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, led by John Brown and a small group of radical abolitionists, calling for slave insurrection, the end of slavery and for the full control of their own destiny,” reads the proclamation.
    “ … Those brave African American freedom fighters died fighting for freedom after the invasion of slave-owning Virginia, except O.P. Anderson who escaped and eventually joined the U.S. troops as an officer.”

    Present to accept the proclamation on behalf of their respective organizations and community were National Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin, Richmond NAACP president Ken Nelson, home developer Rhonda Harris and Jovanka Beckles. Other activists who helped to develop the proclamation were Barbara Becnel and Kathleen Sullivan of the Neighborhood House of North Richmond and Rev. Phil Lawson.
    Beckles, a mental health specialist for Contra Costa County and a member of Richmond’s Economic Development Commission, talked about the significance of the proclamation for Richmond residents.
    “As we view our history, it’s not important where an event may have occurred but that we are capable of doing great things to bring justices where there is injustice,” said Beckles. “There’s so much hope here in Richmond for people who have a sense of hopelessness, but they must understand that even with the little people, all it takes is a little bit of bravery to turn a situation around.
    “It’s very important to remember history and not let it be forgotten. We have to stand in solidarity to fight the injustices we face. And many of us face this struggle in Richmond.
   “There are elders in our community who are aware of the injustices they’ve seen during there lifetime and they can identify with the words of this proclamation, which talks about the sacrifices of those who fought and died for freedom, equality and self-determination.
    “Our adults and elders really need to convey this history to our youth so the kids are educated. Richmond residents need to see the importance of taking a stand for justice. When we see something isn’t right, we need to stand up and take action to see that justice is served.”
    Soskin pointed out that today, Harper’s Ferry is a National Park where the real stories of the great abolitionist rebellion are told, not unlike the National Historical Park in Richmond where the real stories of the World War II home front are now being shared.

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