The first time I ever heard the term "black dutch" I was in my preteen years listening to my PawPaw Johnson and my mother
discussing the family history. I asked my grandfather instantly, "Are we black?" When he informed me that the Black Dutch
was actually Native American, I was confused. "Why would they lie about it?" I had asked. My PawPaw's answer was golden, "Because
there was a time when it was better to be black than indian and the only way they could stay at home was to say they were
anything other than Cherokee." I was lucky, the truth to our "black dutch" roots was passed on through out the generations,
others have not been as forunate. This has caused a great mystery among "black dutch" descendants. Some claiming Indian roots,
other claiming "black dutch/ black irish is just what it says it is." The truth is, though, BOTH are right.
There is a such thing as "Black Dutch" or "Black Irish". Not all are Native American, pretty much every family has its
own claim. Native Americans borrowed these identies during the "Trail of Tears", to avoid being removed from their homelands
and forced west.
The Trail of Tears is a black smudge in American History and for the Natives living during this era, some had to turn
to drastic measures to keep what was rightly theirs.
While I wish I could say that life got better for natives after the removal, it did not. The same ignorance that forced
the removal was still going strong. For the light skinned natives, they were able to live under the title of "white",
while dark skinned natives choose the term "Black" followed by various European titles. These natives lived their entire
lives fearing that their true heritage would be exposed. This fear caused some to even with hold the truth from even their
offspring causing much of the "Black Dutch" conflict that exists today. Others told their offspring in hushed tones their
true heritage but warned to keep it secret. Today, this secret can finally be revealed without horrid consequences, but the
secret has still caused its damage. It has made it extremely difficult for one to trace the genealogy of such families.
Basically, if you have been told that you are "Black Dutch, Black Irish, Black German, etc.. you have your work
cut out for you. It will take time, but hopefully, you'll be able to figure out just what "Black Dutch" heritage belongs to
you.
Click on a link below to learn more on the Black Dutch
