“Save One for Yourself”: A Reconsideration of the Houston Rebellion of 1917

Author

Malcolm K. Thompson, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

5-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Liberal Studies

Advisor

Karen Miller

Subject Categories

Africana Studies

Abstract

The rebellion in Houston was an important incident of Black radical activity in the early twentieth century. Research has examined the events in Houston in detail and built a narrative of an exceptional event. This study aims to reconsider the narrative of the Houston Rebellion on more localized levels, as well as in its broader historical context. Building on existing research on the rebellion this study introduces new elements such as the position of the Black community in Houston, and the consciousness and experience of the Black soldiers involved in the rebellion. Additionally this study contextualizes the rebellion more broadly as an act of Black radicalism, considering with greater depth the significance of the rebellion. This analysis of the rebellion reveals the Houston Rebellion was a moment produced from the complex past of Black people in Houston as well as a distinct experienced positionality of Black soldiers. Furthermore this study shows the rebellion was not an isolated event of Black radicalism. Rather it was a particularly explosive moment resulting from circumstances that accentuated the conflict between the reality of Black life and the insufficiency of Black political ideologies of its time.

Recommended Citation

Thompson, Malcolm K., "“Save One for Yourself”: A Reconsideration of the Houston Rebellion of 1917" (2019). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/3210