Ramona’s heart pounded as she listened to the hushed whispers among the elders. She had heard it all before — the conflicts, the tensions between Native Sovereignty and Black Liberation. Growing up as the daughter of a Native mother and Black father, she felt the weight of both worlds on her shoulders. But there was something different this time, a spark she couldn’t ignore.
“Ramona, child, come sit with us,” Elder Joe Deer beckoned her. She approached the circle, her eyes meeting those of her mother, who carried both the wisdom of her ancestors and the pain of a divided legacy.
“Tell us what you think of this tale,” Elder Joe Deer said, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. “The story of a time when our people and the Black souls fought side by side against the common enemy, the white nationalists.”
Ramona took a deep breath, considering the story she had heard. “It seems that our ancestors once found unity in love, breaking the barriers that divided them. A Native woman chieftain, the Lady of Cofitachequi, and a Spanish slave of African descent, both held captive, found solace in each other’s arms and created a bond that defied the oppressive hierarchies of their time.”
Elder Joe Deer nodded approvingly, encouraging her to continue.
“As history unfolds, we learn that some Southern Native nations chose to align with the white settlers in a desperate bid for power. In doing so, they abandoned the principles of unity and freedom that our ancestors fought for, leading to the enslavement of Black people to prove their allegiance,” Ramona continued, her voice growing firmer with each word.
“But this betrayal didn’t save them from the fate of dispossession,” she added. “In the end, the U.S. government, under the presidency of Andrew Jackson, forced them from their homelands, leaving them dispossessed and lost.”
Elder Joe Deer smiled, acknowledging her insight. “You see, Ramona, our people fell into the trap of racial hierarchy, believing that aligning with the white nationalists would protect them. But in doing so, they lost sight of what truly matters — Black Liberation is Native Sovereignty, and Native Sovereignty is Black Liberation.”
Ramona thought about her parents and their struggle to find their place in a world that seemed determined to keep them apart. She remembered how their love had defied society’s expectations, only to retreat and conform to their socially acceptable sides.
“What if they had chosen differently?” Ramona wondered aloud. “What if they had continued to fight for their love, for unity, despite the hardships they faced? Maybe then, we wouldn’t be so fractured, lost, and confused.”
Elder Joe Deer placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “The world is filled with delusions and illusions of superiority, but we must remember that we are all colored — a spectrum of hues and cultures. It is only by breaking free from the chains of racial hierarchy that we can achieve true liberation.”
Ramona felt a renewed sense of purpose, a fire burning within her to make a change. She looked at the elders, her eyes filled with determination. “I believe that a future worth envisioning lies in the alliance of Black souls and Native hearts. If history has shown us that the recruitment of Blacks was instrumental in defeating the Confederacy, then the unity of Blacks and Natives could be an unstoppable force against white nationalism.”
The elders smiled at her words, recognizing the wisdom beyond her years. “You carry the legacy of both our people and the Black souls within you, Ramona,” Elder Joe Deer said, his voice filled with pride. “Your journey will not be easy, but remember that you are not alone. Together, we will create a future where unity triumphs over division, and love transcends the boundaries of prejudice.”
As the sun set on the horizon, Ramona felt a sense of purpose rising within her heart. The story of her ancestors would not be one of betrayal and disempowerment but of resilience, unity, and triumph over white nationalism. With the support of her people and the Black souls, Ramona knew she could forge a new path, where their shared heritage would be a source of strength rather than division.
And so, the tale of Ramona, the young girl with the heart of both a Native and a Black soul, began. She would write her story with clarity, courage, and a determination to prove that together, they could shatter the delusions of white nationalism and build a future worth believing in.
This short story was inspired by the chapter titled, “Dispossession,” from “The 1619 Project,” written by Tiya Miles. The character Joe Deer is an adaptation of Joe Deere, a member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council who presented “Reconciliation to Solidarity: A Discussion of Common Ground” at the conference organized by the Descendants of Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes Association.
Embark on a visual encounter that complements the concepts explored in “Black’s Spectrum of Red” by exploring the immersive Black Power Room exhibition. This curated experience brings the essay’s themes to life through dynamic artworks, narratives, and historical references. Immerse yourself in the interplay between power, transformation, and history, bridging theoretical discourse with impactful visuals.
