Posted on 06/22/2020 4:35:00 PM PDT by Simon Foxx
The quotes below appear towards the end of the linked article about Gen Forrest's complicated life. I found them to be so remarkable that if you don't read anything else about the self-described "most maligned" Southerner, you should read these words. For hidden in them is a remarkable story redemption and change. It brought tears to my eyes.
(Excerpt) Read more at townhall.com ...
- “This day is a day that is proud to me, having occupied the position that I did for the past twelve years, and been misunderstood by your race. This is the first opportunity I have had during that time to say that I am your friend. I am here a representative of the southern people, one more slandered and maligned than any man in the nation.”
- “I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going.”
- “I am your friend … We were born on the same soil, breathe the same air, and live in the same land. Why, then, can we not live as brothers? I will say that when the war broke out I felt it my duty to stand by my people. When the time came I did the best I could, and I don't believe I flickered. I came here with the jeers of some white people, who think that I am doing wrong. I believe that I can exert some influence, and do much to assist the people in strengthening fraternal relations, and shall do all in my power to bring about peace.”
- “When I can serve you I will do so. We have but one flag, one country; let us stand together. We may differ in color, but not in sentiment.”
- “Go to work, be industrious, live honestly and act truly, and when you are oppressed I'll come to your relief.”
Ping.
I’m betting those words don’t appear on any of the statues erected in his honor.
Thanks for posting.
Apparently this speech was the real deal. Forrest turned against the KKK because of their violence against blacks and later in life advocated racial harmony, for which he was bitterly attacked by some whites.
Most morons history of NBF is a 10 second Forrest Gump clip of him putting a hood on. While he was certainly a flawed man in many respects, he was one of the greatest champions for Civil Rights 100 years before there was Civil Right. Classic example of those to dam stupid to remember history will be the same assholes who tear it down!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.