Breaking Chains: From Reconstruction to Revolution—How Columbia’s Black History Fuels Our Future

By Michael Mitchell

COLUMBIA, MS—Marion County’s history is deeply intertwined with the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, particularly in Columbia, a city shaped by resilience. One such figure, Michael Wilson, was elected as a state legislator in 1870, marking a significant milestone in Black political representation during Reconstruction. His leadership was a beacon of progress, yet the era that followed saw systemic efforts to dismantle Black political power through Jim Crow laws and economic oppression.

Today, as we reflect on Wilson’s legacy, we must ask: How do we, as a melanated society, move beyond the stereotypes imposed upon our culture and fully embrace advancement? The answer lies in reclaiming our history—not just the struggles but the victories. A pivotal example is the Black Panther Party, which drew from Reconstruction-era lessons to uplift Melenated communities through grassroots activism.

The Black Panthers: A Blueprint for Self-Sufficiency

Founded in 1966, the Black Panther Party (BPP) was more than a militant organization—it was a movement dedicated to community empowerment. Often demonized in mainstream narratives, the Panthers sought self-determination over government dependency. Sentiments which Republicans have echoed for a centennial. Their programs, many of which remain foundational in modern America, were direct solutions to systemic neglect, that modern statistics now show, melanated America utilities the least.

Programs Still in Use Today:

• Free Breakfast for Children Program – Before the federal government adopted widespread free breakfast programs, the Panthers ensured Black children had nutritious meals before school. This initiative laid the groundwork for today’s federally funded breakfast and lunch programs in public schools. Yes, the Black Panther Party (BPP) played a crucial role in influencing food assistance programs, including the expansion of food stamps. While they did not directly create the federal Food Stamp Program, their grassroots initiatives highlighted food insecurity in Black communities, pressuring the government to act.

The BPP’s Free Breakfast for Children Program (1969) demonstrated the urgent need for food assistance, leading to increased federal funding for school meal programs. Their Survival Programs, which included free groceries and community food giveaways, further exposed the government’s failure to address hunger. In response to the growing visibility of food insecurity, the Nixon administration expanded the Food Stamp Program in the early 1970s.

The BPP’s work forced national attention on hunger, proving that community-led solutions could drive government action.

• Community Health Clinics – The BPP established free medical clinics, offering screenings for sickle cell anemia, diabetes, and other health concerns affecting Black communities. These clinics were precursors to today’s community health centers.

• Sickle Cell Awareness Campaign – Before the U.S. government took sickle cell disease seriously, the Panthers provided free screenings and education, pushing for national recognition and funding.

• People’s Free Ambulance Service – In cities where emergency medical services failed Black neighborhoods, the Panthers created their own ambulance services, an idea that later influenced improvements in local EMS accessibility.

• Youth Education and After-School Programs – The Panthers developed educational programs to teach Black history, political awareness, and self-defense. Many modern after-school programs stem from this community-driven model.

Community Over Government Dependency

What Michael Wilson understood, which inspired BPP and various groups —and what we must reclaim—is the necessity of self-sufficiency. From Hurricane Katrina to Hurricane Francine and the debacle of monetary allocations during the Biden Administration and various institutions. The mind of our forefathers, rather than waiting on federal aid, they mobilized resources from within the community. They saw the government’s slow response to the Melenated communities needs as a reason to take action, not an excuse to remain stagnant.

As we consider Columbia’s history. Especially the role it has played in national history, we must embrace the forefathers’ philosophy of self-reliance. This means investing in Black-owned businesses (over seeking a discount), creating educational spaces that celebrate our culture, and fostering financial literacy to break cycles of economic oppression. All which exist outside of government dependency.

Breaking the Stereotype Cycle

Negative stereotypes about Black communities persist because they serve a function—to undermine our unity and progress. This doesn’t mean it’s Melenated America against the world, but Melenated America against its own self. To break these chains, we must challenge these narratives at every turn:

• Economically: Support Black entrepreneurship and cooperative economics.

• Politically: Engage in local government and community decision-making like Michael Wilson did in 1870.

• Socially: Promote positive images of Black families, scholars, and innovators.

Columbia’s history is not just a record of oppression—it is a testament to endurance and brilliance. By remembering leaders like Michael Wilson and following the model of the parties he inspired, based on a history exhibited in a Hebrew God finding pleasure in a unique people and building them into a prolific nation - instilling identity. In the Bible Belt, we can shift our culture from one of survival to one of prosperity. The tools are already in our hands; we only need the will to use them.