Efforts to Highlight African American Contributions in Mississippi’s Civil War History – Sky Bulletin
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At the center of Vicksburg, Mississippi, known for its pivotal role during the Civil War, Thelma Sims Dukes, a local who spent her early years in this historic town, has witnessed a transformation regarding the recognition of Black Americans in Civil War history.
Contrary to the recognition or commemoration that Black soldiers received in Dukes’ childhood days in the 1940s and ’50s, Black troops who fought diligently for the Union, including Dukes’ own ancestor, William “Bill” Sims, were overlooked or outright ignored.
Time has brought change, as recognized by an event where Dukes, joining her niece and park staff, placed flags at the graves of thirteen identified Black soldiers at Vicksburg National Cemetery, a part of the Vicksburg National Military Park. Historian Beth Kruse, employed by the park, made this recognition possible through detailed research.
Vicksburg National Military Park, now a destination for worldwide visitors, includes over 1,400 historical markers and has, over recent years, expanded its narrative to encapsulate comprehensive and inclusive history, which now prominently features Black history. This reflects a National Park Service-wide initiative to present a fuller account of the past.
The commemorative event held at Vicksburg marks a significant acknowledgment of the soldiers involved in a tragic Civil War incident at Ross Landing. On February 14, 1864, Confederate guerrilla forces attacked Union soldiers from the 1st Mississippi Infantry (African Descent), killing many and leaving others fatally wounded.
Although the identity of the deceased soldiers in the specific graves remains uncertain, their names have been resurrected, thanks to the research efforts. These soldiers, many of whom were once enslaved, chose to fight with the Union army in pursuit of freedom.
The Vicksburg National Cemetery is a solemn reminder of the nation’s historic battles, with over 18,000 graves that include veterans from multiple wars, with a significant number of Black soldiers recognized as United States Colored Troops.
Dukes remembers a past where the contribution of Black people to the Civil War seemed disconnected from her community. However, in 2004, the Vicksburg National Military Park erected a monument to honor the service of Black soldiers, an initiative led by Robert Walker, Vicksburg’s first Black mayor.
Today, the local community together with historians and park officials are pushing back against attempts to limit discussions of America’s difficult history, emphasizing the importance of telling the full story, including the sacrifices of Black Americans for liberty.
A libation ceremony was also held to honor the soldiers involved in the Ross Landing massacre, with the attendees responding with “Asé,” an affirming word akin to “Amen,” signifying the life force those soldiers represent.
Beth Kruse conveyed a powerful message that those soldiers fought actively for their freedom and should be remembered for their heroic deeds.
Efforts to incorporate more Black history into the Civil War battlefields in Mississippi reflect an expanding and necessary acknowledgment of the diverse narratives that compose American history. These efforts help to honor the contributions of African Americans who fought for freedom and justice. The recent recognition of the Black soldiers at the Vicksburg National Cemetery epitomizes the ongoing commitment to remember and educate future generations about the full breadth of the American Civil War and its impact on all Americans.
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