There are a number of ways to interpret this photograph of Mayor Curtis Hayes— accompanied by members of the local SCV camp—signing a proclamation declaring April Confederate History Month in Livingston, Tennessee.
Let’s not celebrate a black mayor’s membership into the confederate sons. Rather we all have read reliable sources of randy white southern men who fathered lmany many children of black mothers. No wonder we come in all shades.
My paternal great great (?) grandfather grew up in eastern Tennessee. I used to believe the family urban legend that he fought for the Union and his brothers fought for the confederacy.
Only I have zero evidence this is the case. They did end up moving north to Cleveland, OH after the War for work. They most likely kept their racist views.
Let’s not celebrate a black mayor’s membership into the confederate sons. Rather we all have read reliable sources of randy white southern men who fathered lmany many children of black mothers. No wonder we come in all shades.
Kathleen
I am brand new to Civil War Memory (and Substack), and literally did a doubletake when I read the headline of this article.
Hi Grant. Welcome aboard. I am sure you are not alone, but I can only imagine how you are going to respond to today's post.
https://kevinmlevin.substack.com/p/livingston-tennessees-black-mayor?s=w
FYI - it is not about who won or lost, it is about preserving history of our ancestors, even if we disagree with the institution of slavery.
I love your last paragraph.
I’m guessing the situational irony went over the heads of those SCV members.
I suspect so. :-)
Heartbreaking. I have many, many questions.
My paternal great great (?) grandfather grew up in eastern Tennessee. I used to believe the family urban legend that he fought for the Union and his brothers fought for the confederacy.
Only I have zero evidence this is the case. They did end up moving north to Cleveland, OH after the War for work. They most likely kept their racist views.