Garfield won the presidency that year, but just barely. The South went solidly Democratic, and in the years to come, white northerners looked the other way as white southerners kept Black men from voting, first with terrorism and then with state election laws using grandfather clauses that cut out Black men without mentioning race by permitting a man to vote if his grandfather had voted, literacy tests in which white registrars got to decide who passed, poll taxes that were enforced arbitrarily, and so on. States also cut up districts unevenly to favor the Democrats, who ran an all-white, segregationist party. In 1880, the South became solidly Democratic, and with white men keeping Black people from the polls, it would remain so until 1964.
What might I learn from James Garfield, my esteemed ancestor? At a moment of potential freedom—when he was speaking before a crowd in New York City—what did James Garfield say that was risky (even life-threatening)? Garfield spoke of liberty, valor, traitorous behavior—and most importantly the valuable service provided by African American soldiers on behalf of the American Union. These were not safe words for Garfield to pronounce in a world that was saturated with fear, rage and prejudice.
Specifically, James Garfield has taught me that the breeze of courage comes in part from a long-term perspective. We act courageously on behalf of a future possibility rather than just the stark present reality. This might be one of the ingredients in Future Search conferences that enables participants to act courageously after the conference comes to an end. I have also learned about a commitment to the “sacred” truth and an open assessment of reality. As Garfield notes, victory is only worth something if it is founded in truth. This is a particularly relevant lesson for all of us to learn in our polarized mid-21st Century American culture. The sources of tacit freedom (breeze at my back) that I have already identified seem to be directly aligned with what Garfield said during his New York City speech.
Finally, I am touched by what James Garfield said about his abiding commitment to the welfare of Black Americans. In keeping with an expanding theory of mind, Garfield acknowledges that the “spirit of liberty” to be found among Americans with dark skins. Like many of us with lighter skins, these valiant Black men fought for the American constitution and preservation of the American Union. The Black man was embraced by James Garfield as not only a wartime ally but also a friend. For Garfield this is a commitment that was sustained. He continued to act on all of his beliefs in a consistent and persistent manner. There is much to learn about freedom from what James Garfield freely chose to believe and the values he freely chose to embrace and upon which he acted in a position of leadership.
Thank you, James Garfield, my cherished relative, for teaching me about these important matters. I would hope that I might be as courageous and committed as you. The breeze of freedom must be complemented, as you have taught me, by an equally enduring breeze of courage and commitment.
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