Remembering Oscarville: A Forgotten Tragedy and Its Lessons on Racial Injustice

Why do we, as Americans, often forget the important aspects of our history? We all share similar goals: to earn a living, maintain our health, and take care of our families. Yet, some seem intent on sowing division and destruction. Take, for example, the history of Oscarville, Georgia, now submerged under Lake Lanier. Despite this, some still stereotype Black people as dangerous.

Consider the tragic events that befell Oscarville in 1912. A white woman was found dead, and in the ensuing hysteria, a white mob accused Black residents without evidence, leading to the lynching of several innocent Black men and the violent expulsion of the entire Black community from the area. Such incidents were perpetrated by groups like the Ku Klux Klan and the Night Riders, whose brutal actions left a bloody mark on history. These murderers, driven by racial hatred, forced out or killed countless innocent people.

Knowing this, why would anyone want to align themselves with those who deny or minimize such atrocities? Those who do often see the world through a lens of hatred and delusion. And remember, when they finish targeting one group, they’ll move on to the next. We must stay vigilant and united against such divisive ideologies.

Historical Context on Oscarville and Lake Lanier:

Oscarville was a thriving Black community in Forsyth County, Georgia, in the early 20th century. In 1912, following the alleged assault and murder of a white woman named Mae Crow, racial tensions exploded. White mobs lynched Black suspects and terrorized the Black community, ultimately driving them out of the county. Many fled for their lives, leaving behind homes and land. In the 1950s, the construction of Lake Lanier submerged the remnants of Oscarville, erasing physical traces of the community but not its painful history. 

Some people claim that Black people are savages, but history tells a different story. Consider how many times white mobs have destroyed entire Black communities and murdered innocent people. When white people commit crimes, they’re often classified as white-collar crimes, and the justice system frequently turns a blind eye. The FBI, CIA, and local police often fail to help because those in power protect their own.

Take the Emmett Till case, for example. A young Black boy lost his life because a white woman lied about him, leading to his brutal murder by two grown men. How could they be afraid when their community was responsible for so many murders and injustices?

This society would save an animal before saving a Black person. Many white people smile in your face but despise you in secret. Historically, Black men were lynched for simply looking at a white woman, often based on false accusations. Innocent lives were lost, and entire towns were destroyed due to these lies. It’s a painful past, but we must strive to move forward while recognizing that subtle racism still exists.

We must love everyone, but also be aware of these historical and ongoing injustices.

Wait a minute before you come for me—I’m not saying all white people are like that. There are good folks out there, but there are also bad ones, just like there are bad Black people too. Every ethnic group has a few bad apples. I’m just saying that the people you think you hate aren’t your enemies. We aren’t sharpening our knives to stab you in the back, take your property, or steal your money. We’re not out here committing crimes and changing laws to benefit ourselves.

To Black people in biracial relationships, good for you—I’m not talking to you. But Black people, stay woke. Every ethnic group needs to stay woke. There’s a bigger enemy out there.

I’m Lady Trisha Whistledow, thanks for reading.

 #StayWoke #EqualityForAll #TogetherWeStand #EndRacism #InclusionMatters #SocialJustice #CommunityUnity