(Harper's Weekly 1866 Arkansas Black Union Soldiers Mustering out in Little Rock)
Freedom's Spirit
An Arkansas Black History & Genealogy Journal
Freedom's Spirit - Premiere Issue 2002
************************
Freedom's Spirit - Volume 2- 2003
Freedom's Spirit is devoted to recording those pieces of history long since overlooked, hidden or forgotten. The premeire issue began in 2002 and consists of articles about the lesser known parts of Arkansas black history. Copies of Freedom's Spirit can be obtained by contacting Angela Walton-Raji at : AngelaW859@aol.com and from the links above.
Freedom's Spirit, is the first attempt by anyone at documenting the history of black citizens of Arkansas in the format of a periodical. The legacy of Arkansas' African ancestored people did not begin with the integration of Little Rock's Central High School in 1957, nor with the Elaine Race Riots of the early 20th century. The rich history of blacks who settled in this state that was once a frontier outpost, began shortly after the arrival of the first white settlers. This small black population began when Arkansas was a mere settlement referred to by many in the early 19th century as simply the Arkansaw Territory.
Blacks passed through the territory as early as the period of exploration going westward grew. Free blacks migrated to the territory and some made it their home shortly after statehood. At the same time, slaves were also being brought to the state after the Louisiana purchase, and as the quest for statehood grew. The state had several thousand free blacks by 1850, though sadly, by 1860, all but 144 were gone, due to the 1859 Expulsion Law. The southern slave owing land-owners influenced the Arkansas legislature to oust the free blacks from the state, requiring them to seek refuge in other states, or be sold into slavery. The turbulent years of the Civil War, brought about other changes-----from the remaining enslaved population----Black Union regiments arose-----first as the Arkansas Regiments of African Descent, and by the middle of the war, as 6 regiments designated as the United States Colored Troops all organized in Arkansas. The Freedom's Spirit Journal will attempt to document aspects of this rich history in each issue.
(This journal welcomes submissions of articles by writers and researchers of Arkansas black history. Each issue is published in fall of the year, and is devoted to the continued documentation of Arkansas' rich heritage and history.)
*****************