Comments on: White Slavery Re: Slaves of Scotland

By: N. Ross

N. Ross — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:06:06 +0000

As a Canadian of Scottish descent I have long been aware there were many white slaves in America. My father’s father never spoke of how his ancestors got to North America but I do know they originated from the infamous slave port of Inverness. Also, my mother (who was English) told me many times that her grandfather was “black”. I saw a photo of him once but it was indistinct. Friends of African descent laugh at me since I am sooo white, lol.

Thanks for this site. It’s very encouraging to see this topic discussed instead of covered up as if it is a disgrace. Personally, I am proud to tell people that my ancestors were very likely slaves, some white and perhaps black as well.

By: howard brass

howard brass — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:59:06 +0000

I was only made aware of the many atrocities commited against both the Irish and Scottish peoples when I started my own geneological research (I’m mostly Scottish/Irish). I live in Canada, where the English empire perpetrated many attrocities and a physical and cultural genocide on the Native American people already here. I have seen how these actions have had consequences to this very day. Many Native people see all Europeans as “white” people who orchestrated all of their misery. What they do not realize, there is segments of the white population that experienced virtually the same types of oppression that they and African Amercian people have in the past. The English perfected their methods on the Scottish and Irish populations.

This may be a bad person to use as an example, but Idi Amin said that “The Scottish people are the least racist people he’s ever met.” He was a soldier in the English Imperial Army in Ughanda. His higher officers were English and his seargents were primarily Scots. He said, “An Englishman treats and African like a dog and a Scotsman will invite him to dinner.” These quotes are not exact, but that is the gist of what he said.

By: Jahdey

Jahdey — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:09:52 +0000

^^Word!

By: otis magoun

otis magoun — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 05:27:16 +0000

My ancestor was brought to this country and sold into slavery along with his three brothers. They came over in chains along with others Scots aboard the John and Sarah and sold at auction. They were part of the 10,000 Scots who surrendered at the Battle of Worcestor England in 1651. Cromwell sold all 10,000 into slavery in the Americas and the Barbados. Many of these Scots were bought by highlanders here and freed. Others ran away to the American frontier, and some even made it back to Scotland.The unlucky ones endured the same treatment as other American slaves. I have two degrees in history as well as other degrees in education. I always tell my students that if they take anything away with them from my class it should be that history lies. All history is politicaly based. To find the truth takes work and time. Oh so much time. The truth is different to different peoples. Being good or bad is not contained in one country, race, religion, or ethnic group. Good is everywhere as is being bad. America tries to be good and we are. America can and has been bad. We are not perfect nor should we expect perfection. Our worth however will be judged in how vigourous we seek perfection even though it s attainment is beyond our grasp.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 20:36:38 +0000

This would explain a lot about my mother’s side (Scot-Irish). Noone has ever found out how they got here. They just seem to always have been. Reading this makes me wonder.

By: Oquendo Jones

Oquendo Jones — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:22:14 +0000

This is definitely an eye opener. We are all aware of the atrocities of the the Black Slave Trade and the effects are still seen today. But very few are are aware of the European slave trade. As an African-American, I think it’s high time we as all people start learning the full truth. We have been lied to and deceived on a monumental level. We are all connected and share a common thread (which explains why my paternal grandmother (PBUH) had a Scottish and Ancestry). I am always seeking the truth and I hope this important piece of history is spread and to told to the masses. The The Elite have been using the ‘Divide and Conquer’ scheme for far too long. The more we learn, the more we should use this as a tool to stop the madness, separation, violence and ill will towards each other. Knowledge is truly key and crucial if we are to break the bonds of ignorance, stupidity and bigotry.

By: Donna Lawson

Donna Lawson — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:27:10 +0000

Now I understand why my “English” anscestors were upset when some married “Irish.” I always thought it was just the religious differences. I had heard of Irish slavery from my mother, who’s descendents were Irish, but never saw anything in writing before. I really appreciate this. I am all for knowledge, and have compassion for the African slaves, but wish this info was made widely available, so all people could see that skin colour and station in life are not related. So often I am embarrassed to BE white; I want to say “I would never treat anyone better or worse based on skin colour” but it’s a slow process.