You Do Not Have Native American Up In Your Family!

While the United States designates just one day each year, the second Monday in October, is designated to celebrate the undeniable impact of Indigenous Peoples throughout history. Here are a few important things to know about the layered history and somewhat complicated relationship between Blacks and Native Americans.

How We First Hooked Up

The earliest recorded African and Native American contact occurred in April 1502, when the first enslaved Africans were taken to Hispaniola; some Africans escaped to Santo Domingo. The first Black Native Americans emerged from these groups.

Some Native American Tribes Held Slaves

Unfortunately, the relationship between Blacks and Natives prior to emancipation was often rocky, as some Native tribes sided with the Confederacy and owned slave plantati