February 28, 1859

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Joel Byers

On This Date in TWISTED-HISTORY.com! in 1859, the Arkansas legislature required all the free blacks within its territory to choose exile or slavery. Over 94% chose slavery and the knowledge that they’d have a roof over their heads, one square meal a day, a steady job and the ability to work outside in the fresh air instead of having to take a desk job and succumb to weight gain, diabetes, stroke and heart attacks. The plantation owners and armed guards said when the now un-free blacks were polled, 100% said they were very happy with their lifestyle choice and didn’t understand why they hadn’t chosen slavery sooner and having someone else make the difficult decisions (like what they were going to eat and wear or who they could marry) actually made them happy. Some even suggested that the plantation owners and armed guards try it for themselves. Those people were never heard from again.

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About Joel Byers

Born in North Georgia and educated at some very fine public institutions. Real education started after graduating from college and then getting married and raising two boys. Has the ability to see the funny and absurd in most things and will always remark on it, even if it means getting the stink-eye from his victims.
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One Response to February 28, 1859

  1. Anonymous Native Person says:
    March 3, 2014 at 8:55 pm

    It’s amazing just how persuasive an argument can be, when there’s a sword at your throat or a gun to your head.

    I’ve personally changed religions several times, agreed to give away all my land and, during my deepest moment of shame, even declared my undying love of the Star Wars prequels.

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