Exploitation of Black People in Reenacting

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Dressing up non-reenactor young black boys (who are not your relatives) is common exploitive behavior among some circles in the reenacting world. There have been multiple times that I have gone to small off the beaten path re-enactments as well as mainstream events and have come across black boys (under the age of 17) who are wearing civil war era civilian or military attire. After speaking with the kids and asking them the most basic questions about the time period, their impression or the event, they can’t provide me with any information.  I get statements like: “Mr. So-and-So asked my mom if I wanted to go camping with him and his History club this weekend.” “I’m in the ‘generic mentor club’ and Mr So-and-So brought me on a mentor/mentee outing.” “Mr. So-and-So brought our “generic mentor club” here for the day.” THIS IS EXPLOITIVE! Even the 3 year olds I come across at reenactments can tell me about their toys and how they would have been made 150 years ago, because they have people who turned this event into an educational experience for them. They aren’t just window dressing!

Don’t get me wrong I believe it is 100% possible to bring young black men into reenacting in a non-exploitive way. If you are a white mentor to a young black man,before bringing them to an event ask yourself:

1. Do they show any interest in military history or the military? 
2. Do they have an interest in history or material culture?
3. What site did you take them to beforehand to establish a base history of the African American experience during the period? BOTH military and civilian. This matters! 
4. What black male reenactors have you introduced him to and allowed them to have at least an hour long conversation with?
5. Did you explain to their guardian exactly what you were taking their ward to participate in? Pictures of what he will be dressed in included?
6. Did you tell the guardian what your impression is and explain to them how their ward fits into that impression?
7. What reading list did you provide them beforehand?
8. Have you had a conversation with your mentee about their boundaries and limits? Did you convey these limits to your reenacting group?
9. Is your group getting paid? If so what investment did you make in their kit that they own? Let’s be honest with ourselves, having a young black man apart of your group adds credibility and authenticity to your impression, which can bring your group more paid gigs.
   

Before you say it, good intentions are as worthless as an umbrella with no canopy. Black people have been suffering the good intentions of white people for centuries. If your good intentions don’t come with some good sense you can keep it.

I have the pleasure of knowing quite a few young black men who love living history and share their passion with the world. I just want every black boy who is apart of the hobby to have the same rewarding experiences.