Our history plays itself out in the most fascinating ways. Al Sharpton just found out that his ancestors were owned by the family of the late Senator Strom Thurmond.

From USA Today:

Sharpton met Thurmond in 1991 in D.C. and called the meeting with the former segregationist “awkward.”

It was only a short time ago that the Thurmonds acknowledged Strom fathered a daughter with a housekeeper of his parents. Essie Mae Washington-Williams came forward and wrote a book on her interactions with the late Senator. She had this unbelievable comment (AP):

“In spite of the fact he was a segregationist, he did many wonderful things for black people … I’m not sure that Reverend Sharpton is aware of all the things he did,” said Essie Mae Washington-Williams, who was in South Carolina for a speech. “I kind of feel that there was an overreaction.”

I’m racking my brain trying to think of what Thurmond did for black people (aside from supporting Ms. Washington-Williams’s education). Maybe someone will come up with a nugget or two to expand on her statement. ::crickets chirping::

***

Speaking of race, has anyone surfed over to the new conservative response to Wikipedia, the Conservapedia, which is sponsored by Mother Schlafly’s Eagle Forum?

Jill Tubman came across this bit of business.

In the Wikipedia there is an extensive and well-written entry on the term African-American which serves as an anchor pages for many other related topics on our history, culture, religions, political movements, civic organizations and more. In the Conservapedia, I could find no entry for African-American, Black or even Negro. There is however, a page there for “Mulatto“. Just in time for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign! That said, the Wikipedia entry for Mulatto could also use some work.

I’m sure there are plenty of amusements in the Conservapedia. Lord knows what is in there under “homosexuality” or the “gay rights.”

Read Jon Swift’s take on it.