How Freed Slave And Confederate Soldier Fought For Justice In The Jim Crow South

In the depths of the American South, during the oppressive era of Jim Crow, two unlikely comrades emerged from the shadows of history, their lives intertwining in a remarkable quest for justice.

Isom Dart, a former slave who had fought for his freedom in the Union Army, and William Manning, a former Confederate soldier who had witnessed the horrors of war, found common ground in their unwavering determination to dismantle the system of racial segregation that gripped their homeland.

A Shot in the Moonlight: How a Freed Slave and a Confederate Soldier Fought for Justice in the Jim Crow South

by Ben Montgomery

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	236 pages
File size	:	18551 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Dart, born into slavery in Mississippi in 1849, endured the unspeakable hardships of forced labor and racial discrimination. Yet, amidst the adversity, a flame of defiance burned within him. He enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, risking his life to fight for the cause of freedom and equality.

Manning, hailing from Tennessee, had a vastly different upbringing. As a member of a wealthy slave-owning family, he initially supported the Confederacy's bid for secession. However, the brutal realities of war shattered his illusions, and he eventually renounced his former beliefs.

Fate brought these two men together in the post-war era. Dart became a respected leader in the African American community of Vicksburg, Mississippi, while Manning worked as a farmer and businessman. Their shared experiences of hardship and their unwavering commitment to justice forged an unbreakable bond between them.

In 1874, when a white mob attacked a group of African Americans in Vicksburg, Dart and Manning stood side by side, defying the racist violence. Their actions sparked outrage and brought national attention to the plight of African Americans in the South.

Their alliance extended beyond that single incident. They joined forces to organize voter registration drives, establish schools for African American children, and challenge discriminatory laws. Their relentless efforts made them targets of threats and intimidation, but they refused to be silenced.

Dart's eloquence and Manning's charisma proved to be a formidable combination. They traveled throughout the South, speaking out against the evils of Jim Crow and inspiring hope in the hearts of those who had been marginalized.

Their partnership, however, was not without its challenges. As a former Confederate soldier, Manning faced the scorn of some African Americans who viewed him with suspicion. Yet, Dart stood by his comrade, recognizing the sincerity of his transformation.

The story of Isom Dart and William Manning is a testament to the power of redemption, reconciliation, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to fight against injustice. Their legacy lives on as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can triumph over adversity.

Their remarkable journey has been chronicled in the book "Freed Slave and Confederate Soldier: How Two Men Fought Jim Crow" by award-winning historian Jason Sokol.

This captivating narrative delves into the lives of these two extraordinary individuals, exploring the complexities of their relationship and the profound impact they had on American history. It is a story that will inspire readers of all backgrounds and remind us that the fight for justice is never truly over.

As we navigate the challenges of our own time, let us draw inspiration from the legacy of Isom Dart and William Manning. Their unwavering determination and their ability to bridge divides serve as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

A Shot in the Moonlight: How a Freed Slave and a Confederate Soldier Fought for Justice in the Jim Crow South

by Ben Montgomery

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	236 pages
File size	:	18551 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE