Nathan Bedford Forrest
Sources
Brett Forrest, Nathan Bedford’s descendant, articulately illustrates his disapproval of the existence of the Confederate general’s statue, monuments, and holidays. He refuses to acknowledge him as a relative in public. As a renowned slave owner, Nathan Bedford thrived on the persecution and slavery of the minority groups. Despite leaving the Ku Klax Klan and getting the ‘good guy’ tag for that matter, his garrison was still responsible for the Fort Pillow Massacre of 1864. More than 300 black Union soldiers were mercilessly killed despite having surrendered, making it one of the most controversial moments of the Civil War. The article argues that his dark legacy shouldn’t be celebrated as such and might as well be stuck away in a museum or destroyed completely. With such hard-hitting comments coming from one of his descendants, it’s safe to say that Tennessee should do better and bring the bust down.
An article by Austin Valentine further delves into the Fort Pillow genocide of black American Union Soldiers. The review also shows the true character of Nathan Bedford Forrest who before becoming a Confederate sympathizer, was an ambitious slave trader with riches enough to finance his cavalry. The genocide of African Americans at Fort Pillow made him so popular so that he was elected as a leader of the Ku Klax Klan soon after the end of the Civil War (1861-1865). The sole aim of this hate group was to further propel the suffering and suppression of the African American race in all ways possible courtesy of the Jim Crow laws. The reconstructions years after the Civil War saw an increase in racial segregation majorly in the Southern States. It’s therefore appalling for Tennessee to be celebrating such a figure in the 21st century with the ongoing racial prejudice and equality will only be achieved when such matters are dealt with the seriousness that they deserve. Forrest’s bust in the Capitol building should be removed henceforth based on the very legitimate reason of an anti-slavery America. His name will always be remembered for white supremacy and African American suppression.
Confederate symbols have come under fire especially with the recent spate of hate crimes and police brutality against the black community. It’s also true that not so many people are conversant with the history of the Civil War and the atrocities committed, hence the contrary opinion. Strother, Logan, et al, attempt to demystify the “Heritage Not Hate” defense of retaining the Confederate symbols. However, on both sides of the debate white supremacy is a recurring factor. Simply erecting a statue to honor an (in)famous general and overlooking his heinous crimes based on ‘Southern Pride’ is pretentious and uttermost ignorant, to say the least. If the argument is to remember ‘their’ history, why not uncover the reasons that led to the Civil War in the first place? While not all those of different perspectives are racists, most of them have no idea of the Civil War conflict. The ‘Southern Pride’ can be defined as miseducation of the general masses into forgetting the grave atrocities committed.
It, therefore, suffices to say that the removal of Nathan Bedford Forrest bust from the Tennessee Capitol building is imminent. The nationwide protest from both sides of the debate further showcases the massive misinformation existing in white America. Brett Forests even suggests a Dolly Parton statue in Bedford’s place and I support him since it wouldn’t anger the two parties concerned. Consequently, more light should be shed on why is there a need to uphold heritage while forgetting the misgivings suffered by minorities and if that’s acceptable in today’s society.