My thoughts on slavery...just my thoughts

I’d like to express my opinion about a subject that is near and dear to me. Not only because I think it’s a sad thing to do, but because I’ve lived and experienced it. I’d like to talk to you all about Slavery in America. Just as Kings and land owners did during my time, many of America’s wealthy bought and owned slaves. The one big difference is that people were being captured from other countries and forced into this lifestyle. I on the other hand, was captured after battle and forced into slavery. The way these young men and women were taken from their home land was sad to see. There have been many very important slaves throughout the slavery period, however, I will comment on just a few and the importance of their actions. The first one I will talk about is Frederick Douglass (1818-1895). He was a slave who attempted to flee his masters many times, but was always captured. Once he did escaped for good he became one of the greatest anti-slavery leaders in history! He also put forth great efforts for women’s rights. Another important slave, although not alone in her efforts, was Araminta Ross; also known as Harriet Tubman (1820-1913). She was important because even though she had escaped from slavery, she risked everything going back and leading over 300 escaped slaves north to freedom in Canada. She did this for 10 years using a route that came to be known as the “Underground Railroad” and Harriet Tubman was the most famous conductors of this railroad! I admire a woman who could have that much courage at a time where women didn’t have any rights. The final person I’d like to mention is a man who made both legal and constitutional history by suing for his freedom. Even though he wasn’t the first, nor was he the last to sue for his freedom, Dred Scott still made his moment in history! His case went all the way up to the US Supreme Court in May 1857. Sadly, after many long trials, he eventually lost his case. His dedicated perseverance didn't go unnoticed because his case eventually helped to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. So, even though I was forced into slavery because I was a prisoner of war, these poor individuals were forced into slavery because of ignorant, selfish people using their power to do as they wanted. I’m proud to see all the great accomplishments of these individuals despite all the oppression they faced. I’m glad to see that now a days there is NO slavery!

My idol

As a child, I remember my father as a powerful man!  He had arms of iron and a mind sharp as a sword.  He was a great Assyrian warrior!  He would tell us great stories of battle, the good and bad.  When my father was gone, my mother took care of me and the household.  She would bake bread for him and his brothers when they set off for battle.  After a successful defeat, our family would be showered with wine, cheese and fruit from the King's men.  He may have killed many, but that is what he was made to do.  One day my father set off on yet another battle to the east.  The Assyrian warriors were due back in three days.  Upon their return, my mother and I were awakened by my father's warrior brother.  He told us the most devastating news...my courageous father has lost his life.  The realization was there and we knew this could happen, but we could do nothing but cry in disbelief.  My father was my idol and I would grow to make him proud!  This was the day I decided I would become a great warrior...just like him!

Introduction...Who is Akar?

The history books don’t even bother to mention me or any others like me by name.  Our sixth ruler, the young Hammurabi created what he called “Hammurabi’s Code”, a series of clauses that wasn’t written for me to be successful in life, for I was a slave in Mesopotamia. My name is Akar and it is Egyptian for victorious or killer. I wasn’t always considered a “slave”. I was once a proud soldier/warrior of Sumer until we were beaten by Hammurabi around 1760 B.C.E. Once we lost the battle many of my family and friends were also turned into slaves. Over the next 4-5 weeks I will talk to you all and give my views on varies events that I hope will keep you all entertained and coming back to my blog site wanting more. Thanks for taking the time to visit this first time around. Until the next post...take care

Akar