A LITTLE WOKE HISTORY ABOUT OKLAHOMA GOV. STITT AND SSPI. WALTERS WANT TO HIDE
As Oklahoma became a state in 1907, it also became subject to the infamous Jim Crow laws. These laws, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination against black Americans, were a reflection of the deeply ingrained racism in the southern states. But what about the Native American population in Oklahoma, many of whom had adopted southern values? How did they fit into this complex and discriminatory system?
To understand this, we need to take a deep dive into history. The Five Civilized Tribes – the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole – had been forcibly relocated to Oklahoma from their ancestral lands in the Southeastern United States in the 1830s. Over time, they had adopted many aspects of southern culture, including slavery and plantation agriculture. They even owned black slaves themselves.
When Oklahoma became a state, the Five Civilized Tribes were granted a significant degree of autonomy. However, they were still subject to the same Jim Crow laws as the rest of the state. This created a complex situation where Native Americans who had adopted southern values were both victims and perpetrators of racism.
Fast forward to today, and we see a different kind of discrimination being promoted by Oklahoma's governor Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters. They are pushing for policies that would severely limit the teaching of critical race theory in Oklahoma schools.
Critical race theory is an academic framework that examines how racism is embedded in laws, policies, and institutions. It is not about blaming individuals for being racist, but rather about understanding how systemic racism operates. However, Stitt and Walters have framed it as an attack on American values and an attempt to indoctrinate children with Marxist ideology.
So, what is the difference between Jim Crow laws and the anti-critical race theory policies being promoted by Stitt and Walters? Both are attempts to maintain a status quo that benefits those in power. Jim Crow laws were explicitly racist, while anti-critical race theory policies are more subtle. However, both are designed to silence voices that challenge the dominant narrative.
The similarities are also striking. Both Jim Crow laws and anti-critical race theory policies are based on fear – fear of change, fear of losing power, and fear of the other. They both perpetuate a false narrative that America is a meritocracy where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. And they both ignore the fact that systemic racism is still very much alive in this country.
In conclusion, the complex history of Native Americans in Oklahoma highlights the insidious nature of racism and discrimination. The Jim Crow laws that were imposed upon them were a reflection of the deeply ingrained racism in the southern states, and the anti-critical race theory policies being promoted by Stitt and Walters are a reflection of the same fear and ignorance. As we move forward, it is important to acknowledge our past and work towards a more equitable future. And if we can do so with a little bit of wit and humor, all the better.
HERE IS SOME OF THE WOKE HISTORY STITT AND WATERS WANT TO HIDE
Oklahoma, the land of the red dirt, the Sooner State, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain, and where Jim Crow laws once thrived. Yes, you heard it right. Oklahoma was not immune to the segregationist policies that plagued the South. In fact, the state was a shining example of how to keep the races separate and unequal.
When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, it adopted a constitution that allowed for racial segregation and discrimination. The state legislature passed 18 Jim Crow laws between 1890 and 1957 that enforced separation of the races in education, voting rights, public accommodations, transportation, entertainment, and marriage12. These laws were similar to those in the former Confederate states and were challenged by civil rights activists and organizations.
Between 1890 and 1957, Oklahoma passed 18 Jim Crow laws that reinforced racial segregation in every aspect of life. From education to voting rights, from public accommodations to miscegenation, every area of society was affected by these laws. Let's take a deep dive into some of these laws and see how they shaped Oklahoma's history.
In 1890, Oklahoma passed a law that required an election for school electors to be held every three years. The purpose of this election was to vote for or against separate schools for white and colored children. This law laid the foundation for future segregationist policies in education.
Seven years later, in 1897, Oklahoma passed another education law that established a separate district for colored children wherever there were at least eight black children. It was unlawful for any white child to attend a school for black children (or vice versa). This law effectively segregated schools based on race.
In 1907, Oklahoma became a state and passed a new constitution that mandated separate schools for white and colored children to be provided by the Legislature. This law made segregation in education a constitutional requirement.
But education was not the only area affected by Jim Crow laws. Voting rights were also curtailed by these policies. In 1907, Oklahoma passed a law that excluded indigent persons housed in a poorhouse at public expense from voting. An exception was made for Federal, Confederate, and Spanish American veterans. This law effectively disenfranchised poor people who could not afford to live outside of a poorhouse.
Another voting law passed in 1907 required electors to read and write any section of the state Constitution. This law exempted those who were enfranchised on January 1, 1866, and lineal descendants of such persons. However, it was declared unconstitutional in 1915, but the provision for literacy was upheld.
Segregation in education continued to be a priority for Oklahoma lawmakers. In 1908, a new education law was passed that required public schools within Oklahoma to be operated under a plan of separation between the white and colored races. Teachers who violated the law could be fined between $10 and $50, and their certificate could be cancelled for one year. Corporations that operated schools that did not comply with the law were guilty of a misdemeanor and could be fined between $100 and $500. White students who attended a colored school could be fined between $5 and $20 daily.
The transportation sector was not immune to segregationist policies either. In 1908, Oklahoma passed a law that required all railroad and streetcar companies to provide separate coaches for white and black passengers, "equal in all points of comfort and convenience." Railway companies that violated the law were fined $100 to $1,000. Passengers who failed to comply could be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a fine from $5 to $25. Conductors could be fined $50 to $500 for failing to enforce the law.
Miscegenation, or interracial marriage, was also outlawed in Oklahoma. In 1908, it became unlawful for a person of African descent to marry any person not of African descent. This law was punishable by a felony that carried a fine of up to $500 and imprisonment from one to five years in the penitentiary.
In 1915, Oklahoma passed a law that required telephone companies to maintain separate booths for white and colored patrons in public accommodations. This law extended segregation to the telecommunications industry.
In 1921, Oklahoma passed a law that prohibited marriage between Indians and Negroes. This law further entrenched racial segregation and discrimination.
The education sector continued to be a battleground for segregationist policies. In 1921, it became a misdemeanor for a teacher to teach white and colored children in the same school. The penalty was cancellation of the teaching certificate without renewal for one year.
Public libraries in cities with a Negro population of 1,000 or more were also affected by segregationist policies. In 1921, it became mandatory to maintain separate accommodations for colored persons in public libraries.
Entertainment was not exempt from segregationist policies either. In 1925, a city ordinance in Oklahoma City prohibited black bands from marching with white bands in parades. Additionally, white Golden Gloves boxers were prohibited from sparring against black boxers.
In 1937, public carriers were required to be segregated. This law extended segregation to public transportation.
In 1949, Oklahoma passed a law that called for a consolidated Negro institution to care for blind, deaf, and orphans. This law effectively segregated healthcare based on race.
In 1954, a law was passed that required separate restrooms in mines. This law extended segregation to the mining industry.
Finally, in 1955, Oklahoma passed a law that prohibited marriage between anyone of African descent and one who is white. The penalty was up to $500 and one to five years imprisonment.
These 18 Jim Crow laws shaped Oklahoma's history and reinforced racial segregation in every aspect of life. While some of these laws have been overturned or declared unconstitutional, their legacy still lingers. It is important to remember these laws and their impact on society so that we can continue to strive for equality and justice for all.
Jim Crow Laws in Oklahoma https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2005/02/13/jim-crow-laws-in-oklahoma/61955074007/ via @theoklahoman_