Crossing the Racial Divide

Story and photos by Christine Thompson

"I am a nigga. You are a nigga. We are niggas." Imagine being asked to say this repeatedly. Imagine being forced to continuously believe that this is a fact about yourself. If you can't imagine this, imagine the more than 100 individuals at Plattsburgh State University College (PSUC) who were asked to participate in an activity involving these phrases and how overwhelming that may have been.

While this presentation at PSUC focused largely on the roots of the "N" word and the different opinions of why the usage has transformed into a positive word in society, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. At the onset of Black History Month, this conversation attempted to open the minds of many individuals who may or may not have ever considered the "N" word negative. But the North Country is not exempt from an abundance of African American history.

"Students [and society as a whole] need to understand the full history of the development of our nation, and understand their very different experiences."

In 1849, legendary abolitionist, John Brown, moved to North Alba (east of the Saranac River) with the intentions of helping out black immigrants. Brown began to collaborate with Gerrit Smith, who in 1846 had given away 120,000 acres in Essex and Franklin counties to African Americans. Through their interactions, African Americans were given the opportunity to learn how to manage land and gain employment opportunities.

Brown was an enthusiastic anti-slavery activist. In 1859, he traveled to Northern and Eastern states and Canada enlisting the efforts of many associates in the Essex area. Brown is most notably associated with Harper's Ferry, Virginia, which happened to be an instrumental connection with the North Country area and Canada.

The plan for the invasion of Harper's Ferry, according to an article from Kay Branagan, Africana Studies professor at PSUC, was "to seize the arsenal at Harper's Ferry, capture a number of prominent citizens to be held as hostages and ransomed by a supply of provisions or the emancipation of slaves, and escape to the mountain fastnesses where they could maintain themselves until the arrival of their expected support from the Federal Marines and the forces of militia of Maryland and Virginia."

"There is the Underground Railroad history in this area, but there is more of a racist connection of sending slaves back to Africa because they wouldn't fit into this demographic."

Brown was arrested and executed after the 1859 invasion at Harper's Ferry and is buried in North Alba. Branagan also added that common names like Miller, Bailey, Sailey, and Platt were popular local slave owners in the 1700s. There are various historical documents citing the freedom of various slaves.

For example, Thomas Treadwell, from Plattsburgh, freed his slave "York" through court approval from J.P. Platt in 1794. In addition,remnants of the Underground Railroad, which provided shelter for hundreds of slaves, are evident throughout the North Country. Areas like Keeseville and Peru are locally attributed to the Underground Railroad. Station Conductor Major Dimick is believed to have lived in Peru, and various churches and farm houses provide evidence of Underground Railroad activity. The Adirondacks is proving, through these discoveries, to be an instrumental trail route.

"There is the Underground Railroad history in this area, but there is more of a racist connection of sending slaves back to Africa because they wouldn't fit into this demographic," Branagan said.

According to Branagan, the U.S. appropriated $100,000 for returning freed slaves back to Africa. Jehudi Ashmun, a Champlain, New York, native, laid the foundation for present day Liberia on the land bought by the U.S. on the Atlantic coast of Africa. More than 11,000 blacks were transported back to Liberia before 1860 through the efforts of the American Colonization Society.

"Students [and society as a whole] need to understand the full history of the development of our nation, and understand their very different experiences" said John Fairchild, principal of Plattsburgh High School (PHS).

With a student body of approximately 700 students and 85 staff at PHS, black history isn't emphasized through mass assemblies, guest speakers or programming. However, some teachers like Kathleen Stark, Participation in Government teacher at PHS, are taking the opportunity to show films like "Eyes on the Prize II," relating past black history issues with present day society.

"Students [and society as a whole] need to understand the full history of the development of our nation."

Fairchild also added, "I think we have a pretty accepting student population and local population. We do have a small minority group within the student body, but I think, by-and-large, they are treated fairly, partly because of the diverse college campus so close to the community."

So, while many people will notice the events around the area recognizing Black History Month, black history is much deeper than this month of recognition. Understanding black history goes beyond classes offered to our children in schools, beyond community lectures, and far beyond the understanding of consultants, like Director of Diversity at the Bush School in Seattle, Dr. Eddie Moore Jr.

While there is an ongoing debate about the abolishment, the legitimization or the regulation of the "N" word, the word is so deeply rooted in negative connotations that the usage alone, in whatever context, is problematic.

"I felt nervous [in the "N" word activity] because when I think of the "N" word it's used positively in some cases, and negatively in others," said Angel Acosta, a junior and Diversity Taskforce student at PSUC. "The positive connotations reflect American hypocrisy and how as Americans, we are all oppressed on some level," Acosta said.

Black history may be a one month recognition, but the North Country celebrates its rich history everyday. While the "N" word is a part of history, who would have thought that in our own backyard the extent of it could unfold.

What impact does black history have on your life?

In a racially mixed crowd, Monday, February 5, 2007, marked a day in history as PSUC hosted a workshop called "The N Word" brought together by Moore and PSUC faculty member J.W. Wiley. This dynamic workshop was hosted all over the country by these two individuals. This was an unprecedented event for the Plattsburgh area. This event was attended to by not only students and faculty of PSUC, but community members, as well.

While we have individuals - black, white, Hispanic and Asian - who use the "N" word, perhaps in a positive manner, after the presentation on Monday, it was evident that co-facilitators, Moore, and Wiley, believe there is nothing positive about this word.

J.W. Wiley writes down all the words audience participants associated with the "N" Word.

This presentation evoked a lot of mixed emotions from attendees, most feeling confused. While some may argue the "N" word is only negative if used with an "er" ending versus an "a" ending,

Moore was adamant about the "N" word being negative all across the board, stating "I don't think there is a difference."

Moore said,"You may choose one in a more professional setting, or a more personal setting, but it's all the same to me."

His sentiments are shared by the organization, Abolish the N word, which states, "No matter how it is spelled, the word has carried these emotions of hate throughout the centuries, which is why it is so painful to hear. Every time you say it you release the spirit of hate into the world."

Click here to watch a clip from the "N" word presentation.