CHRISTINE SAVOIE, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
Proposal Type
Traditional Panel
Seeking
- Seeking Additional Presenters
- Seeking Specific Expertise
- Seeking General Feedback and Interest
Related Topics
- Memory
- Oral History
- Public Engagement
Abstract
In this panel, I would like to public historians to discuss bloody histories that are forgotten. My own contribution would be my research on the Opelousas Massacre of 1868. This was one of the worst massacres in Louisiana history but it is largely forgotten about.
This panel should discuss what the events are, society during the time it occured, and theories on why it was forgotten.
Description
In many states, events occur that are often difficult to discuss in the future. Being from the south, two difficult topics of discussion are slavery and reconstruction. My research takes place during reconstruction when many race riots occurred.
It is my hope that in this panel, I can find other historians who write on this type of history.
There are three benefits to this panel:
Memory: In many documents, I have found personal accounts of these race riots. It shows how people perceived them as they happened. However, it is also important to look at any type of memorial that may be dedicated to that event. In the case of the Opelousas Massacre, there are none, which sparked my interest and theory as to why there are none.
Oral history: This tool is utilized greatly within communities. For example, in my own research, I found that descendants from survivors of the massacre had stories that have been passed down for generations. This needs to be used more often for research.
Public engagement: Lastly, we need to get the public involved. If the public cannot remember what happened in the past, there are doomed to repeat it.”
If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to pass along someone’s contact information confidentially, please get in contact directly: Christine Savoie, [email protected]
All feedback and offers of assistance should be submitted by July 1, 2019. If you have general ideas or feedback to share, please feel free to use the comments feature below.
Hi Christine–this sounds like a great topic. I just sent you a direct email about helping out. Thanks!
Hi Christine, your topic caught my eye and sparked a few questions. I’m fascinated by the idea of systematic or collective “forgetting.” Does your research show that massacres are often ‘forgotten’ by descendants of both (all) sides? Are these stories ‘buried’ primarily because of the pain of these recollections? Or, because they center on race and racism which are still not substantially addressed in US history and remain a divisive topics in this country? I was just wondering who is invested in the forgetting of these histories. I am also curious about you calling them “race riots.” Riots usually connote something impulsive, undirected, chaotic, etc. Are you distinguishing these from rebellions and uprisings? It might be interesting to include panelists who are also researching the remembering and forgetting of resistance struggles (rebellions, uprisings) that may have resulted in a massacre.
Hi Christine. I had many similar thoughts as Jennifer and also wondered if you just wanted to keep your focus to massacres or expand it toa broader difficult to discuss history.