The Hidden Story of Indian Removal and the Reclassification of Black Indians

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 is a well-documented tragedy, but there's an often-overlooked chapter in this history: the fate of copper-colored, melanated, or so-called Black Indians who did not relocate west of the Mississippi.

Many of these individuals were systematically reclassified, stripped of their Indigenous identity, and forced into new classifications that erased their heritage. This paper genocide was not just a bureaucratic change; it had profound consequences, leading to imprisonment, forced labor on plantations, and the loss of their rightful place in history.

Lincoln's Emancipation and Deportation Strategy

Contrary to the popular narrative, Abraham Lincoln’s views on emancipation were complex and often contradictory. While the Emancipation Proclamation was a critical step, Lincoln also considered colonization schemes, aiming to deport emancipated slaves to Central and South America. He is often quoted as saying that he did not believe Black people would ever achieve equal civil rights. His main strategy involved emancipation followed by deportation, and had he not been assassinated, it's plausible that mass deportation could have been pursued.

Ongoing Reclassification Efforts

The reclassification of Black Indians didn’t end in the 19th century. Even today, many Black Americans are labeled as African American despite having predominantly Indigenous heritage. This misclassification is part of a broader narrative that obscures the true history and identity of many families.

By understanding these darker aspects of history, we can begin to reclaim and honor the stories of these Indigenous peoples who were wronged by history.