Mock Trial Reaction: Plessy v. Ferguson

The court was filled with individuals listening to the arguments from the defendants and plaintiffs regarding the Plessy v Ferguson case. Both side's arguments were strong and filled with evidence in favor of their side. I thoroughly enjoyed the mock trial as a whole and felt that it ran smoothly. 

Starting with the side in favor of Plessy, they touched on many reasons as to why he shouldn't have been thrown off the train car by police or fined. The religious argument stood out to me. Paige specifically took excerpts from the Bible that each person is made uniquely by God. Therefore, why should white people be held in such high regard while black individuals are treated so poorly, like in this case, Plessy? Also, they took into account how Plessy was only one-eighth African American, meaning he only had one black grandparent in his lineage. Additionally, they brought it to the judge's and jury's attention that segregation is costing our country an immense amount of money due to the fact that they must purchase double of everything. 

However, the opposing side also crafted a strong argument. The economic argument was quite interesting and argued many solid points. Some of these included having a "black wall street" boosts the economy, having integrated businesses that may scare off customers, segregating people makes it easier for businesses to produce products certain groups want, etc. The mention of segregated education systems was also a key point, discussing how it is pointless to have white and black children in the same schools since black kids won't be able to keep up. 

Overall, I enjoyed listening to all the arguments presented. I believe many of my peers did an amazing job at arguing their side in an effective manner. In the end, the judge ruled in favor of Plessy, determining that he should not have to pay the fine. 

EOTO Reconstruction Era: Civil Rights Act of 1875

The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was first introduced in 1870 by Charles Sumner, an abolitionist and radical Republican Senator from Massachusetts. He was one of the few white male politicians of his time who dedicated his career to supporting the abolition of slavery and advocating for black rights. This bill gave all citizens access to public accommodations such as theaters, restaurants, hotels, and forms of transportation regardless of skin color. Also, it frobade excluding any person from jury service based on their race and required all lawsuits brought under the Civil Rights Act to be tried in federal, not state courts. 

The Civil Rights act specifically stated, "That all persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall be entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, and privileges of inns, public conveyances on land or water, theaters, and other places of public amusement; subject only to the conditions and limitations established by law, and applicable alike to citizens of every race and color, regardless of any previous condition of servitude." This shows how the ultimate goal of this act was to protect all United States citizen's, civil and legal rights post Civil War and slavery.

As expected many if not all the Southerners in the Senate did not approve of the bill, this caused great debate in the Senate. Hours were spent arguing with one another and even became heated at times when either side reused to back down and disregard their beliefs. These arguments were centered around whether Congress had the constitutional right to decide who the juries selected for state courts could be made up of. After many disputes and conversations among the Sentators, those who supported the bill agreed t drop one thing from it. They had decided to eliminate the portion that prohibited segregation in public schools, which would later go on to change the course of history. 

Sumner thought that the Civil Rights Act would be the most outstanding achievement of Reconstruction. He stated, "Very few measures of equal importance have ever been presented." Sumner wholeheartedly believed in his bill and that it would be extremely pivotal in U.S. history. Unfortunately, Sumner did not live to see what happened to his bill. In March 1874 he unexpectedly died due to a heart attack att only sixty-three years old. On his death bed Sumner said to his friend Frederick Douglass, "Don't let the bill fail, you must take care of my civil rights bill." Luicily Douglass made sure Sumner's legacy lived on in American history and with The Civil Rights Act of 1875. 

The bill was brought to the floor for a vote in February 1875 and was eventually passed on February 27th that same year, with a vote of thirty-eight to twenty-six. With the majority of votes in favor of the bill coming from the Republican party. Soon the bill became law on March 1, 1875 and was the first public accommodation law to ever be passed in the United States. 

Reconstruction Documentary Reflection

I learned new information by watching the Reconstruction-Era documentary. The documentary started out with news footage of a 2015 crime that occurred at a historically black church, where a twenty-one year old man opened fire on churchgoers. This highlighted how beliefs from the Civil War and Reconstruction Era are sadly still prevalent today, harming the black community all around us. 

This time in history was when everyone in the country no matter their race tried to come together post Civil War and was filled with both hope and violence. Around 180,000 black men had enlisted in the war and were then freed when the Union had won. The United States had to essentially rebuild. However, this became very difficult after Lincoln was assassinated due to his anti-slavery views and Andrew Johnson was sworn in as President. Quickly, many anti-slavery politicians and activists criticized Johnson. One of the most notable was Frederick Douglass, who noticed that when he went to shake Johnson's hand, he was very apprehensive and smelt of alcohol. Johnson did many unlikeable things that didn't work, some of which included giving white people ways to "keep black citizens under wraps," requiring wealthy Southerners to come to him personally to be pardoned, etc. 

Finding family members after being separated because of slavery was a huge problem at the time. Local newspapers would allow people to put "information wanted" columns in the paper with information regarding a family member they were looking for. People even began walking on foot to places where they had last seen a certain family member, hoping they could possibly find them there. 

Rioting became extremely prevalent in areas of the South where white people couldn't accept the fact that slaves were no longer slaves and were free citizens who must be treated equally. One riot happened in Memphis Tennessee killing forty-eight people where all but two were black, and another shortly after occurred in New Orleans killing forty black people. 

There were a lot of negative occurrences during this time, but there were also some positives, including implementing the Fifteenth Amendment. This gave black men the right to vote. Sadly, when black men went to vote they had to go in groups with weapons in case any white people tried to attack. 

The Reconstruction Era was a difficult period in U.S. history with many negatives and positives. Watching the documentary gave me insight to what this time was truly like.

Gone With the Wind Reflection

Gone With the Wind is a powerful movie that draws viewers in and leaves them with a new perspective. The film was released in 1939  and is set during the 1800s while the Civil War is happening in the South. The movie focuses on Scarlett the main character, and how her life changes from an everyday Southern woman to someone thrown into war. 

At the beginning of the movie Scarlett is a boy-crazy young woman who follows the social norms of society. She is only focused on doing her duty of marrying a man and then having children. Women during this time were viewed as being the ones to run the household, who must listen to men and bear children. Although, this was not the life Scarlett ultimately lived. You see in the film when the women are sleeping at the Twelve Oaks Plantation, and the men are downstairs discussing the war; they get word that war has begun and troops are being sent. Therefore, all the men leave the women behind to fight. This is the start of Scarlett's new life. She moves to Atlanta and works to help injured soldiers at a nearby hospital. While in Atlanta, she gains a new sense of independence. 

Her new independence is shown when Altanata is invaded, and she must flee. She drives a carriage with Prissy, Melanie, and Melanie's new baby, all while the city burns down. The trip back to Tara takes many long and tireless days, but thankfully they make it back safely. 

War changes Scarlett into an independent woman. However, she never moves on from Ashley Wilkes, Melanie's husband. This trait of Scarlett's sticks with her throughout the movie and drives many of her selfish decisions, which makes her more of a controversial character. 

There are also many other important characters shown. One of those is Mammy, played by Hattie McDaniel. Mammy is a house slave to the family and primarily serves Scarlett. She is very outspoken, strict, and protective, serving as almost a motherly figure to Scarlett by keeping her in line and steering her away from Ashley Wilkes. By the end of the film, Mammy is the one holding the family together and helping Scarlett in any way she can.

It is crucial to understand how women such as Scarlett and Mammy were changed due to war and how that affected them overall. We can also connect these characters to actual women who lived during the Civil War. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Gone With the Wind and believe that it gave me a new perspective on women's lives during this time. 

EOTO Reaction

During the each one-teach-one presentations I learned insightful information about pro-slavery and anti-slavery events. However, the anti-slavery events stuck out the most to me. 

One topic taught that I found very interesting was anti-slavery newspapers. Two newspapers were discussed, The North Star founded by Frederick Douglass in 1847 and The Liberator founded by William Lloyd Garrison in 1831. The North Stars motto was "Right is of no sex - Truth is of no color," while the Liberators was "Our country is the world - our countrymen are mankind." Though they were started at different points in history they both pushed heavily for the abolishment of slavery and provided information to American citizens to change their viewpoints. 

Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Underground Railroad. Before listening to the presentation, I was unaware that it was not actually underground. This system was designed as a symbol against slavery that helped enslaved black individuals escape the horrors of slavery. They did this by going to free states in the north such as Ohio or Pennsylvania, and sometimes even going out of the country into Canada. Close to 100,000 people were able to escape slavery due to this system. Some of the most notable figures who helped aid this program were Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Still. 

One of my peers also taught everyone about the topic of slavery rebellions and uprisings. More specifically, the revolt led by Nat Turner. This event occurred on August 21, 1831 in Southhampton County, Virginia. It had been said that Turner felt that he was sent by God to hold this rebellion. Turner and the seven other slaves with him killed about sixty people. Ultimatley, Nat Turner was tried in Southhampton County and sentenced to execution, where he was then hung on November 11th. 

Through each one-teach-one, I gained more knowledge about anti-slavery newspapers, the Underground Railroad, and Nat Turner's rebellion by listening to the information taught by my fellow classmates. 

State v. Mann Mock Trial

I speak to you today advocating for John Mann. From a religious standpoint, what he did to his slave Lydia was completely valid. Who are we as Christians to charge this man unlawfully when the faith we look towards tells us that his actions were holy? Even the Bible itself condones his actions.

The story of Abraham discusses the topic of slavery. According to the story, Abraham owned a slave named Hager. Hager spoke with an angel, who then said to her, "Return to your mistress and submit to her." This story demonstrates how religious figures, in this case angels, encouraged slaves to obey their masters because that is the Christian thing to do. If angels want slaves to obey, why would Mann be wrong by encouraging his slave to obey?  It is not morally incorrect for Mann to whip Lydia and then shoot her for trying to run away. She wasn't doing what she was supposed to, and he retaliated in a religiously sound manner. Also, Leviticus 25:44-46 says, "Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves." Strengthening the argument that slaves are property bought by individuals who are allowed to do what they want to with their property. Even if Lydia was rented she was his for the time being.

Jesus himself, who we hold in such high regard as good Christian people, also accepts slavery. It has been said that "Not one word of criticism did the Lord ever utter against slavery." If the Lord does not criticize slavery, why are we so quick to? Isn't that an unholy thing to do? Mann had every right to discipline his slave because she was there to serve him, not the other way around. In Ephesians 6:5-7 it states, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with the sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ." In the eyes of God slaves must obey their masters no matter what, like how Lydia should have obeyed Mr. John Mann. However, she didn't and for that deserved to be disciplined. 

Theologians, including Charles Hodge, have also come out to speak of this issue. Hodge states, "To call slavery sinful was a direct impeachment of the word of God." Further solidifying that there is nothing wrong with supporting slavery or, in this case, the actions of John Mann.

John Mann should not face such horrific scrutiny for what he has done. His actions were in fact lawful and were a good Christian thing to do when put into that situation. I know it is ultimately up to the judge to come to their own decision about the case. However, when coming to your conclusion, I urge you to think, "Would I be going against my religion by going against John Mann?" The answer is yes. You would be doing your beliefs and our God above a disservice. Thank you for letting me share some religious reasons as to why John Mann is innocent and should not be charged with any crime or pay the five dollar fine.

Town Hall Reaction

Today's town hall meeting was bustling with people from all backgrounds. New information I had never heard was shared, and many heartfelt speeches were given. Various abolitionists came to speak. They were there to persuade people to join the abolitionist movement. Everyone who spoke made some kind of an impact on the audience listening. 

One argument that stood out to me amongst the rest was John Brown's. John Brown was one of the last to speak but, in my opinion, gave one of the most engaging speeches. He is a very descriptive speaker who exudes enormous passion while speaking about the abolitionist movement. Also, he offered a new perspective to the room since he had not been a slave.

Mr. Brown spoke of his own experiences, including watching a slave be brutally beaten with a hammer by a farmer he had been living with. He recalled that this event was forever ingrained into his mind and that was just the beginning of his journey as an abolitionist. 

Later in life he went to Massachusetts where he studied ministry under Reverend Hallock. He developed an illness which changed the trajectory of his life. He went on to marry a woman named Dianthe Lusk and began pursuing business ventures. John Brown continued to donate to activists to help the anti-slavery movement. Eventually, he became a conductor for the Underground Railroad and started the League of Giledites. 

The turning point of his story was the capital of the anti-slavery movement being destroyed by pro-slavery settlers. Mr. Brown said he was outraged and sought to seek revenge. Which lead him and a few of his sons to drag five slave owners out of their houses and kill them. John became controversial due to his acts of violence, causing him to create a plan to raid Harper's Ferry. The attack didn't go as planned, and he was arrested by General Robert. E Lee. Unfortunately, he spent the remainder of his days in prison and was hung for his crimes. 

Hearing John Brown speak was a wonderful experience. His speech added to the conversations in the room and changed some opinions. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to everyone's stories and hope this will help further the abolishment movement.