We Refuse To Forget

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This landmark work of Black and Native American history reconfigures our understanding of identity, race, and belonging, highlighting the inspiring ways marginalized communities have sought to redefine their world. The narrative centers on the Creek Nation, a Native tribe that, two centuries ago, both owned slaves and embraced Black individuals as full members. Under the leadership of Cow Tom, a Black former slave, a treaty with the U.S. government recognized the citizenship of Black Creek members. However, this progress was undone in the 1970s when Creek leaders revoked the citizenship of Black Creeks, even those with deep ancestral ties to the tribe. This raises critical questions: Why did this reversal occur? What role did the U.S. government play? How can marginalized individuals today advocate for their rights? Award-winning journalist Caleb Gayle explores these issues in a provocative examination of racial and ethnic identity. Through extensive historical research and interviews with Black Creeks fighting for their citizenship, he reveals the racism, ambition, and greed underlying this narrative. The result is an eye-opening account that challenges our perceptions of identity while illuminating the ongoing struggles against marginalization and white supremacy faced by Black Americans.