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As Americans across the country celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, we remember the history African-Americans played in not only the establishment of the holiday to honor our fallen soldiers but also the roles of freedmen in its creation.
As Charleston, South Carolina lay in ruin in 1865 during the twilight of the Civil War, former slaves dug up the bodies of Union Army members located at the formerly posh Washington Race Course, a locale most wealthy Charleston planters and socialites visited on numerous occasions turned prison camp, and created shallow graves for the men who fought. In all, 257 graves were established for the men around a 10-foot fence.
In all, the funeral for all 257 men proved to be a touching tribute. A recorded 2,800 black school children sang songs like “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “John Brown’s Body” with sermons delivered by black preachers.
The first true Memorial Day took place on May 1, 1865, as Dedication Day. It was not recognized as an official federal holiday until 1971 and had not become custom in America until May 1868.
You can read more about the first Memorial Day and how it was washed away by history here. You can also see a video put together by The Root in regards to the history of the holiday below.
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