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MUSKOGEE CREEK INDIAN FREEDMEN BAND
June 30, 2024
For Immediate Release:
The Muscogee Creek Indian Freedmen Band and the Oklahoma Indian Territory Museum of Black Creek Freedmen History are excited to present "Unsung Heroes of the Civil War: Freedmen of Indian Territory."
Explore the remarkable story of the African Creek (Freedmen) and other courageous individuals who fought alongside the Muscogee Creek people during the Civil War. Witness their selfless sacrifice and remarkable courage as they fled Indian Territory and joined forces with the Upper Creek Indians under the leadership of Muscogee Creek Chief Opothleyahola.
Experience their inspiring journey through three intense battles against the Confederates as they made their way to Kansas, a journey that became known as The Trail of Blood on Ice. These pivotal battles occurred in Indian Territory during the American Civil War, from November 19, 1861, to December 26, 1861.
During the Civil War, brave men of African descent joined the 1st Indian Home Guard Kansas and the 1st and 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry, which later became the 79th and 83rd Colored Troops. The exhibit will showcase a fascinating collection of replica weapons, historical display boards providing insights into the historical context and the soldiers' stories, a realistic depiction of a Union soldier, replicas of utensils, various artifacts from the Civil War era, and fantastic artwork completed to help enhance the story.
Additionally, the exhibit will feature a replica of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry battle flag, honoring the courage and sacrifice of these extraordinary soldiers. They fought battles in Indian Territory, Missouri, Arkansas, and beyond.
Prepare to be captivated by our impressive lineup of guest presenters. Mr. Wallace C. Moore will share the powerful perspective of an enslaved person of African descent. We are honored to have Attorney Calvin Osborne, a Civil War reenactor from Washington D.C. and a descendant of Creek Freedmen, who will provide deep insights into the history of the Freedmen of Indian Territory and share stories of their service in these regiments.
Lastly, Ms. Be'eri Ahil will transport us back in time as she brings to life the experiences of Ms. Lucinda Davis, an eyewitness to the battle of Honey Spring, dressed in period-appropriate attire.
This event is open to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the history and the courageous but often overlooked heroes of the Civil War: Freedmen of Indian Territory.
This significant event has been made possible by a generous grant from the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grants, provided by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Save this information:
Date: July 27, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: 8625 S. Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, 73139
Admission: Free
Presented by the Muscogee Creek Indian Freedmen Band and the Oklahoma Indian Territory Museum of Black Creek Freedmen History.
contactus@1866creekfreedmen.com
405-458-0823
On April 4-6 there will be an important civil rights trial in the Muscgoee Creek Tribal Court in Okmulgee OK. Native Americans believed when they signed peace treaties with the United States that those treaties created enforceable mutual obligations. Such was the case in 1866 when, after the civil war U.S. and Muscogee Creeks. In fact, Rob Williams in Linking Arms Together wrote (pp 46-48) that Treaties between Indian Tribes and the United States created sacred obligations.
And for 113 years after the War, Black Creeks lived and prospered among the Creeks, as full tribal members, attending Creek churchs, speaking Creek language, and even holding elective office.
That was how things were until 1979 when when the Muscogee Nation adopted a new Constitution that, in clear violation of The 1866 Treaty, excluded the descendants of former Creek slaves from being tribal citizens.
Does that sound like #RacialDiscrimination? It sure does to Rhonda Grayson and Jeffrey Kennedy, the two Black Creeks who are the plaintiffs in the law suit in Tribal Court.
Is the Treaty of 1866 still valid? The Treaty that officially created the Creek Nation and established its relationship with the United States? The very Treaty that created the Tribal Court where Judge Mouser will hear the case?
Where should the Black Creeks go for justice? Where should this matter properly be resolved? In a Creek Tribal Court? At The Creek National legislative Council? In Federal Court? By the U.S. Congress? At the United Nations Inter-American Court on Human Rights? Stay tuned.
A recap from the public hearing on October 21, 2022, regarding a possible conflict.
"Judge Mouser stated that the case had languished long enough and that we would set a scheduling order on the case today."
In the District Court of the Muscogee Creek Nation
Creek Citizenship hearing set for April 4, 5, and 6, 2023
Please see the attached scheduling order for the Creek freedmen citizenship case in the District Court of the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma.
What was the Potential conflict? Judge Mouser served on the MCN Supreme court from 2005 to 2011 as a Chief Justice for the MCN. For a relevant period during the potential conflict Judge Mouser was not the chief justice; she was an associate justice, where she denied the appeal on another Freedmen citizenship case. The Judge stated in her notice that she could be "fair and non-bias, courts are not infallible, and she is not infallible."
Judge Mouser states she feels this case deserves to see the light of day and would like to move forward as the Judge in the case. "If I am recused, the search for another judge will begin, and I can't tell you how long that will take, but there will be another delay."
The attorneys and clients for the Citizenship case decided to sign the waiver and move forward with Judge Mouser as the presiding Judge.
Mvto!
MCIFB
