Callie House

"My Face Is Black Is True: Callie House and the Struggle for Ex Slave Reparations"



This is the story of Callie House, born into chattel slavery in 1861, and who fought for pensions for African people who were enslaved in America based on those benefits offered Union Soldiers. In a brilliant and daring effort, House who never passed the fourth grade targeted $68 million in taxes on seized rebel cotton and demanded it as repayments.

Dr. Mary Francis Berry breathes life into her legacy, telling of how her activities were banned by the U.S. "Justice" Department. She talks about how Ms. House's dedication to the poor and disenfranchised - was "systematically ignored or derided" by Black newspapers and Black others.

Her Ex Slave Association flourished untle she was imprisoned on fabricated charges that she violated U.S. postal laws.

So long forgotten that her grave has been lost, Callie House emerges through the work of Dr. Mary Francis Berry as a courageous activist pioneer and a forerunner to all the great activists who would follow.

Here's an interview with Dr. Berry and Tavis Smiley.

Callie House with Tavis Smiley


The Untold Story (Christian Science Monitor)

"Slave Reparations: The Untold Story"