George T. Ruby: The Former Slave Who Helped Write Texas Law скачать в хорошем качестве

George T. Ruby: The Former Slave Who Helped Write Texas Law

Matthew Gaines was born enslaved, forbidden by law to read, write, or dream beyond survival. Yet against every odd stacked by slavery, racism, and political violence, he rose to become one of the first Black lawmakers in Texas history—helping shape the very laws of a state that once claimed ownership over his body. This video tells the powerful, often-overlooked story of Matthew Gaines, a man who taught himself to read in secret, survived capture after repeated escape attempts, and emerged from slavery determined not just to be free, but to transform freedom into lasting justice. From the cotton fields of Louisiana to the Texas State Senate during Reconstruction, Gaines fought for public education, voting rights, and the protection of newly freed Black citizens at a time when speaking the truth could cost a man his life. As white supremacist backlash intensified, Gaines faced false charges, political exile, and imprisonment—all designed to silence him. But even when stripped of office, he refused to bow, continuing to preach, organize, and demand equality in a state desperate to erase men like him from memory. This is not just the story of a former slave who entered politics. It is the story of how Black Americans helped write the foundations of American democracy—and how history tried to forget them. If you believe history should tell the whole truth, this story is for you. --- *References* Matthew Gaines Biography, Wikipedia Matthew Gaines (1840–1900), BlackPast.org Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Reconstruction Legislators Exhibit Texas Historical Commission, Matthew Gaines Historical Marker Records Humanities Texas, Texas Originals: Matthew Gaines Texas A&M University Historical Recognition of Matthew Gaines Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture Publications