The Second Crucifixion of Nat Turner

The Second Crucifixion of Nat Turner was originally published in 1968. Edited by the legendary historian John Henrik Clarke, it is an essential book for anyone serious about understanding the legacy of Nat Turner and the historical manipulation of Black narratives. This book is important because it challenges the dominant whitewashed version of Turner’s 1831 rebellion and sets the record straight about his revolutionary role in the fight against slavery.

One of the most crucial aspects of this book is that it directly responds to William Styron’s The Confessions of Nat Turner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that distorted Turner’s story, portraying him as a confused, almost reluctant revolutionary rather than a determined leader against oppression. Clarke and a collection of Black scholars, including Vincent Harding and John A. Williams, dismantle Styron’s version, exposing how it misrepresented Turner’s motives and reinforced racist tropes.

Beyond being a critique, The Second Crucifixion of Nat Turner restores Nat Turner’s image as a fearless leader in the struggle for Black liberation. Turner’s rebellion wasn’t just an isolated act of violence; it was part of a broader history of resistance that white historians often downplay or vilify. This book puts Turner back in his rightful place—among the greatest freedom fighters in African American history.

John Henrik Clarke, a giant in Black scholarship, knew how dangerous historical distortion could be. This book is an act of historical correction, ensuring that Turner’s legacy is told from a Black perspective, rather than through the lens of those who benefit from our oppression. It’s a must-read for those interested in Black history, radical resistance, and the power of reclaiming our own stories.

The contributors include Lerone Bennett Jr., John O. Killens, Alvin Poussaint, Ekwueme Michael Thelwell, and John A. Williams.