We know memorial day as the last weekend in May that honors veterans and marks the beginning of summer. But how did this holiday start? And who created it? Listen to this episode to find out the real history of memorial day, that includes Black folks.
Here are key things to listen out for:
Timestamps
[00:00:34] The Civil War and the death of 600,000 men
[00:03:08] Memorial day and why it continues to be among the most important National Observances
[00:04:33] History of Memorial Day
[00:06:19] how black folks created Memorial Day
[00: 07:12] The first Memorial Day as narrated by Historian David
[00:11:54] the tribute that gave birth to Memorial Day
[00:14:29] White washing process of retelling the Memorial Story and the flower idea for decoration
[00:15:42] When Memorial holiday first became a national celebration
[00:19:20] The Justice system is fucked up
[00:21:43] the military veteran Success Story is only one side of the coin and the racism ingrained in the military
[00:23:08] the story of Sergeant William Butler
[00:26:12]Blacks double edged sword of being proud that for your military service
[00:27:41] the murder of George Floyd was linked to the Memorial Day
[00:30:26] how teachers are eliminating important history, important black history and certain aspects of teaching in a curriculum
Notable Quotes
Book: Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom)
Book: David Blight: Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory)
Additional Resources
The First American Memorial Day is commemorated)
The Overlooked Black History of Memorial Day)
Celebrating the Black History Of Memorial Day)
Memorial Day: America's strained salute to its black veterans)
Black People Invented Memorial Day)
Former slaves honoring Black soldiers: Civil rights lawyer issues reminder of Memorial Day origins)
Audio cut during speech about Black people's role in Memorial Day at Ohio ceremony)
Why is Memorial Day in May? 5 interesting facts about Memorial Day)
A summer of protests exposed deep demands for change—and entrenched obstacles)
George Floyd biography announced for spring 2022)
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**EPISODE CREDITS:**Research and scripted by host Latoya Coleman (@ToyaFromHarlem).Edited and Mixed by Chris MannMusic Licensed through Epidemic Sound