200th Birthday of Nat Turner

By H.K. Khalifah <ubus@pinn.net>, 23 September 1999

Nat Turner was born October 2, 1800 in Southampton County, Virginia. The man who would grow up to organize and execute the most remarkable Revolt in human was identified early in childhood to be "destined for some great purpose in the hands of the Almighty."

The following is taken from the ONLY book written by a black person about the revolt: Nat Turner & the Southampton Campaign of the Black Liberation Army in 1831, by H. Khalif Khalifah, James Magee and Alexis Joyner. Published in the fall of 1998. Available at address below for $10.00 + $4 for first book and $1.00 for each additional.

"The story of Nat Turner is about an uncompromised Black leader who was so fearless, powerful and charismatic that he recruited and organized an army and achieved that which had not been done up to that time; and nothing has come close to matching its impact on the Independence Movement of Afrikan people since: That is, he inspired Black captives to overcome their fear and individual powerlessness to, unite and take the destiny of Black people into their own hands. The effort of Nat Turner and his army was to win immediate freedom for captive Afrikan chattels in the United States of America...

"...It is important for Afrikan people to know that physical resistance to oppression never ceased, no matter what other forms may also have been playing out in the struggle, at any particular time in our history.

"Our desire for freedom must not be diluted for any reason. For if the desire is taken from us, the means necessary to secure freedom, justice and equality will also be lost...

"Nat Turner's place in the history of the world is assured as one of its most dynamic and resourceful freedom fighters. His method of struggle stands out from some other would-be-liberators of Black because he wanted to free us now!

"At the point that Nat Turner decided on his master plan to liberate Black people, he was unwilling to wait another 100 years, or 50 years, or 10 years, one year or one day. His was an effort to bring about complete change. The complete 360 degree variety. This is revolution. This is what history proves he was after: Complete freedom for Black people in the United States of America."

We are planning to have a year long observance of the 200th birthday of Nat Turner in during the year 2000. Anyone have not been one of the some 500 who have toured THE NAT TURNER TRAIL in Southampton County, would do themselves and the people in the area a great favor if they plan to to visit the "Trail" and the Khalifah Health Ranch Retreat during the year.

For a list of scheduled tours, please call (804) 658-4934 or (757) 723-2696. OR VISIT MELANET.COM and view the National Black Community Calendar of events and happenings.