“Every time I research a certain aspect of the Syphax family, I find more exciting things that spark my interest to want to keep going and delve into that.”
In 1863, thousands of newly freed slaves moved to Washington, DC. The government set up a camp for former slaves on land in Arlington, Virginia. The camp was known as Freedman’s Village.
Tens of thousands of former slaves lived in Freedman’s Village for nearly 40 years. The community had schools, hospitals, religious centers and even a home for children whose parents were dead.
Craig Syphax says his ancestor Charles became a leader in Freedman’s Village.
“The Syphaxes became people that could read and write. So they freely taught people how to read and write without charge or anything because we knew that was how you would succeed here in America.”
Syphax is working on a documentary about his family and on a new history museum next to Arlington Cemetery. Talmadge Williams is a leader of that effort.
“History not taught could be history repeating itself, and we don’t want history to be repeated. We don’t need slavery again.”
Former slaves are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Some people say they are as much a part of history as the soldiers buried there.
The “Battle Hymn of the Republic” is one of the most recognized pieces of music in American history. It is often called the great Civil War anthem. And it was the favorite song of President Abraham Lincoln.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25