Red vs. Black
Racial tensions between the Five Civilized Tribes and African American Freedmen have held a constant role in the history of Indian Territory. The relationship between the Reds (Native Americans) and Blacks has been tumultuous and diverse. Each Nation of the Five Civilized Tribes- Creek, Cherokee, Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw- held their own views and laws regarding slavery, emancipation, acceptance and assimilation. Native American tribal governments clung to the institution of slavery much longer than the US Federal government. Over the centuries, periods of discord between the tribes and Freedmen have intermingled with moments of racial harmony. Currently, Red vs. Black communities are in dispute over tribal membership of Freedmen descendants.