The history of the American West is often painted with broad strokes, focusing on the narratives of European settlers and their interactions with Native American tribes. However, interwoven within this complex tapestry is the story of African Americans, many of whom found themselves in the West through the brutal institution of slavery. Some escaped, some were sold, and others fled, seeking refuge and a new life. Among these individuals, a unique dynamic emerged as they were adopted by various Indian tribes, integrating into tribal structures and, in some instances, rising to positions of leadership. The saga of The Freedmen: James Coody Johnson is a testament to this intricate history. This article explores the life and legacy of James Coody Johnson, a prominent figure who championed the rights of Black Seminoles and other African Americans in Oklahoma during a pivotal period of transition.
The narrative of African Americans in the West extends beyond simple servitude. It encompasses resilience, adaptation, and the forging of new identities within the context of Native American societies. This interaction led to the creation of unique communities, often referred to as Black Indians or Freedmen, who blended African and Native American cultures. One such individual who exemplified the leadership potential within these communities was Sugar T. George, also known as George Sugar, born into slavery within the Muskogee Nation around 1827. While George Sugar’s story is significant, it is The Freedmen: James Coody Johnson whose influence resonates deeply within the historical record of Oklahoma.
James Coody Johnson stands as one of the most influential African Americans in Oklahoma history, particularly during the state’s formative years. His life journey, from his ancestral roots to his professional achievements, embodies the struggles and triumphs of Black Freedmen navigating a complex and often discriminatory society. His story is inseparable from the broader history of the Creek and Seminole Nations and their interactions with the United States government, especially during the tumultuous period of land allotments and the rise of Jim Crow laws.
Johnson’s pursuit of higher education was a remarkable achievement for an African American man in the late 19th century. He attended and graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C., in the 1880s, a prestigious institution known for its commitment to educating Black students. This accomplishment provided him with the intellectual tools and professional credentials necessary to advocate for his community. Upon completing his legal studies, Johnson established a law practice in Wewoka, Oklahoma, a town situated in the heart of the Seminole Nation. This location proved to be strategically important, allowing him to directly serve the needs of the Seminole Freedmen, a substantial population residing in and around Wewoka.
Despite being a Creek Freedman by birth, Johnson’s deep connection to Wewoka and the Seminole community shaped his life’s work. His parents also had Seminole ancestry, further solidifying his ties to the region and its people. Although an earlier census recorded him in the town of Arkansas Colored, his professional life was firmly rooted in Wewoka, where he dedicated himself to representing the interests of the Seminole Freedmen. This dedication underscores the fluidity of identity and the complex web of relationships that characterized the lives of Black Indians in the West.
His father, Robert Johnson, had once been enslaved by John Jumper, a prominent Seminole leader. His mother, Elizabeth Johnson, hailed from Arkansas Town, a settlement with a significant Black population. These familial connections provided James Coody Johnson with a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Seminole Freedmen. He was intimately familiar with their history, their struggles, and their aspirations. This knowledge, combined with his legal expertise, made him a formidable advocate for their rights.
The Dawes Enrollment Act, enacted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, aimed to dismantle tribal land ownership and allot individual parcels to Native Americans and Freedmen. This process was fraught with corruption and injustice, as many individuals were unfairly denied their rightful land allotments. The Freedmen: James Coody Johnson played a crucial role in representing Seminole Freedmen during this period, fighting to ensure they received the land they were entitled to under the law. He skillfully navigated the legal complexities of the Dawes Commission and argued cases before various courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. His legal battles were not merely about land; they were about preserving the dignity and economic security of the Seminole Freedmen.
Before Oklahoma achieved statehood in 1907, Johnson served as president of the Negro Protection League, an organization dedicated to safeguarding the rights of African Americans in the territory. He recognized the looming threat of Jim Crow laws, which were already being implemented in other Southern states. He fearlessly led protests against these discriminatory measures, understanding that they would severely limit the opportunities and freedoms of Black Oklahomans. His outspokenness and unwavering commitment to justice made him a respected leader within the Black Seminole community and throughout the state. He was known for his unwavering courage in confronting injustices, earning him the respect of both Black and Native American communities.
After Oklahoma became a state, Johnson demonstrated his commitment to economic empowerment by constructing the Johnson building in Wewoka. This building housed his law office and later became the headquarters for the Black Panther Oil Company, the first Black-owned petroleum company in the region. This venture not only provided economic opportunities for the Black community but also served as a symbol of Black entrepreneurship and self-determination. The Freedmen: James Coody Johnson consistently supported the Black Seminole population in Wewoka throughout his life, both through his legal advocacy and his economic initiatives.
His final resting place lies just north of Wewoka in an African Seminole cemetery, a testament to his enduring connection to the community he served. His headstone, a dignified white marble monument, stands as the most prominent marker in the cemetery, a lasting symbol of his leadership and legacy. Nearby, Seminole graves are adorned with small houses, a traditional practice that, over time, has begun to show the effects of age and weather. Johnson’s memorial, however, remains strong and resolute, a beacon of remembrance that reminds passersby of the significance of this burial ground. It is a fitting tribute to a man whose reputation stood as strong as his commitment to justice and equality. The story of The Freedmen: James Coody Johnson serves as a reminder of the complex and often overlooked history of African Americans in the West and the important role they played in shaping the region’s cultural and political landscape. He lived a legacy as The Freedmen: James Coody Johnson should.