The Forgotten History: Carter G. Woodson’s Report on Free Black Slave Owners and Economic Suppression

Introduction

Carter G. Woodson, known as the "Father of Black History," dedicated his life to uncovering the often-overlooked aspects of African American history. One of his most intriguing and controversial findings was the existence of free Black slave owners in the antebellum South. While this fact is frequently misunderstood or weaponized in modern debates, Woodson’s research highlighted how free Black slave ownership was, in many cases, a means of protecting family members or a rare attempt at economic mobility. However, as free Black communities began to grow, Southern states took legislative steps to restrict Black slave ownership—not out of moral concern, but as a calculated move to weaken Black economic power.

Free Black Slave Owners: A Complex Reality

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, some free Black individuals owned enslaved people. This phenomenon was largely misunderstood; while some engaged in slavery for profit, many were purchasing family members to prevent them from being sold into brutal conditions. Woodson’s research indicated that free Black slave ownership was often driven by necessity rather than exploitation.

However, the presence of free Black slave owners presented a contradiction to the rigid racial hierarchy that justified slavery. If free Black individuals could own slaves, it undermined the pro-slavery argument that Black people were inherently inferior and unfit for citizenship. More importantly, some free Black communities—especially in cities like Charleston, New Orleans, and Richmond—began to accumulate modest wealth and influence, which alarmed white lawmakers.

Legislative Suppression: Banning Black Slave Ownership

To counteract this economic and social mobility, several Southern states passed laws explicitly banning Black people from owning slaves. These laws were not motivated by humanitarian concerns but by the fear that free Black individuals would amass too much power. By stripping Black people of the legal right to own property—whether land or enslaved individuals—white lawmakers ensured that free Black communities remained economically vulnerable.

For instance, in states like North Carolina and South Carolina, laws were enacted to prevent free Black people from purchasing enslaved individuals, even if it was for the purpose of freeing them. This meant that free Black families were often forced to watch their relatives remain in bondage, unable to legally intervene. These restrictions effectively removed an avenue of financial and social advancement for free Black individuals, further entrenching racial divisions.

The Broader Impact on Black Economic Mobility

By the mid-19th century, these laws had severely limited the ability of free Black individuals to compete economically. Without access to property or legal means to secure wealth, free Black communities were left vulnerable to racist policies such as forced expulsion, re-enslavement, and later, Jim Crow segregation. The economic suppression initiated during the antebellum period had long-term consequences, restricting Black generational wealth-building efforts well into the 20th century.

Conclusion

Carter G. Woodson’s research sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of American history: the deliberate suppression of Black economic advancement through legal restrictions. While the idea of Black slave owners is complex and uncomfortable, understanding the true historical context reveals that their existence was more about survival than exploitation. The legislative efforts to prevent Black people from owning slaves were not about morality—they were about maintaining a racial hierarchy and ensuring that Black Americans remained economically disadvantaged.

Woodson’s work remains crucial today as it helps us understand how systemic barriers were intentionally put in place to cripple Black economic progress. By acknowledging these historical realities, we gain a clearer picture of how economic suppression has shaped racial disparities in America, and why these discussions remain relevant in the fight for equity and justice 

The Coup Against American Democracy: What Are We Going to Do About It?

Today, we confront one of the most uncomfortable truths in modern American history—the deliberate coup against democracy.

This isn’t about partisan politics. This isn’t about Democrats versus Republicans. This is about power—who holds it, who fears losing it, and what they’re willing to do to keep it. From 2016 to 2024, we have witnessed a calculated effort to erode democracy, consolidate white control, and resist the inevitable transformation of America. This was not an accident. This was not a mistake.

Let’s be clear—Donald Trump was never the mastermind. He was the mascot. The real coup was carried out by the millions of white voters who saw him as their last, best hope to halt progress, to cling to an America where they held unchecked dominance. And they were willing to watch the country burn rather than share power.

But this coup didn’t begin in 2016. It started the moment Black Americans put the first Black president in the White House. Barack Obama’s election shattered a psychological barrier. It signaled to Black and brown communities, to immigrants, and to marginalized groups that political power was no longer solely dictated by white America. And that terrified them.

In response, they rallied behind the loudest, most openly racist, most openly corrupt figure they could find—a man who vowed to erase Obama’s legacy, punish minorities, and restore white rule. And they got exactly what they wanted:

A president who called white supremacists "very fine people."

A president who caged immigrant children and demonized entire communities.

A president who gutted voting rights, encouraged police brutality, and ignored the pandemic’s disproportionate toll on Black and brown lives.

But here’s the irony—Trump didn’t just betray marginalized communities. He betrayed his own supporters, too.

By 2020, America had had enough. Black, brown, young, progressive, and even disillusioned white voters showed up in record numbers to remove him from office. And how did Trump respond?

He lied, claiming the election was stolen.

He incited an armed attack on the U.S. Capitol.

He attempted to overthrow the government—an act no other president in history had dared to commit.

And yet, even after witnessing his blatant assault on democracy, after seeing him side with foreign adversaries, hoard classified documents, and openly sell out the country—his base remained loyal.

By 2024, despite two impeachments, multiple indictments, and undeniable evidence of corruption, white America doubled down. Because this was never about democracy. It was never about truth. It was always about power.

Their refusal to share control drove them to reelect Trump—even if it meant undermining democracy itself. Even if it meant surrendering America’s sovereignty to unchecked foreign influence. Their desperation to maintain racial dominance outweighed their loyalty to the nation’s democratic ideals.

And why?

Because they saw the writing on the wall:

America is becoming more diverse.

Black and brown political influence is growing.

The old system of white control is dying.

Instead of evolving, instead of competing fairly, they chose to rig the game. Voter suppression. Election denial. Gerrymandering. Fearmongering. They forced Trump back onto the ballot because he represented their last, desperate hope to halt progress.

And here’s the harsh reality: If they can't keep America under their control, they will give it away before they ever share it with us.

So, my brothers and sisters, all politics aside—this is no longer just about Trump. This is about America’s future.

Will we be a nation that finally fulfills its promise of equality, justice, and progress? Or will we allow a fearful, desperate faction of white America to drag us backward?

They have made their intentions clear. They will dismantle democracy, rewrite history, and destroy this country rather than share it.

So, the question is: What are we going to do about it?

The Top 10 Adult Hip Hop Chart

Welcome to The Top 10 Adult Hip Hop Chart, counting down this month’s hottest tracks that define mature hip-hop. Let’s start at 10 and work our way to number 1!

Top Songs

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10. Killer Mike - "Humble Me"

9. JT Money - "Family Cry"

8.  UGK & Paul Wall - "Represent"

7 Xzibit - "Play This at My Funeral"

6 Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre - "Outta the Blue"

5. LL Cool J & Eminem - "Murderers"

4. Ice Cube - "Street Shed Tears"

3 Rakim & Nas - "The God's" (ft. Big Daddy Kane, Black Thought, Mos Def)

2. MC Lyte - "Make A Livin (Remix)" ft. Busta Rhymes

1. Ja Rule, The Game, French Montana, & Ma$e - "I Can Show You"