The Hidden Chapter of U.S. Racism

The Hidden Chapter of U.S. Racism

Some parts of history are deeply uncomfortable, yet important to acknowledge. One such chapter involves the way Black children were dehumanized in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For many years, a disturbing claim circulated about the use of Black infants in hunting practices in parts of the American South. While difficult to confront, historical newspapers, reports, and imagery show that racial violence was often treated casually by society at the time.

How This Practice Was Reported

Between the 1800s and early 1900s, several papers in states such as Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi carried stories that portrayed the mistreatment of Black children as entertainment or “tradition.”
These articles along with postcards and illustrations revealed how normalized racial cruelty was during that era. The publications often used dehumanizing language, showing that Black lives were viewed as expendable by many in power.

Why the Truth Was Buried

For decades, people attempted to dismiss these accounts as exaggeration or folklore. However, as archived newspapers, photos, and historical documents resurfaced, they exposed a broader pattern: the casual celebration of violence against Black communities.

The issue is not only the events themselves, but how society presented them publicly sometimes even as souvenirs. This highlights how racial injustice was woven into the culture and economy of the time.

Why This History Still Matters

When some people say, “That was a long time ago,” it raises an important question:
If it was so distant, why were these acts turned into postcards, jokes, and newspaper features?

Acknowledging this history does not reopen old wounds it prevents them from being forgotten. Understanding the past helps us recognize how far we’ve come and how much work still remains.

This chapter of American history isn’t myth. It’s a reminder of how deeply institutional racism once shaped everyday life. Bringing these truths to the surface gives voice to those who were silenced and ensures that their stories are not erased.