Final answer:
Oklahoma tribes were troubled by the influx of black freedmen due to heightened racial tensions with their own Native American freedmen, a complex history with slavery and emancipation, and the exacerbation of identity conflicts and citizenship rights within Indian Territory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Oklahoma Tribes Were Troubled by Black Freedmen After the Civil War
At the close of the Civil War, Oklahoma tribes were troubled by the incoming black freedmen from states like Texas for several reasons. Primarily, these tribes had their own populations of Native American freedmen who did not identify as African Americans but rather by their tribal affiliations, such as Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole. The influx of freedmen from Texas heightened racial tensions between the groups. The Five Tribes' complex history with slavery and emancipation further complicated relationships. While some tribes like the Creek and Seminoles accepted their freedmen with ease, others like the Choctaw and Chickasaw did not, often resulting in violence and a lack of rights.
Moreover, the mixing of black and Indian identities within individual lives, such as that of Lucinda Davis of Oklahoma, exemplifies the intertwined narratives of freedom and identity conflict affecting both African Americans and Native American communities during this period. The definition of 'freedmen' became a contentious point, clouding the understanding of racial identity and citizenship rights, ultimately leading to significant strife within Indian Territory.
This conflict was influenced by the legacy of racial violence throughout the South and the Deep South's impact on the racial narrative in America. As Black Indians sought to maintain their lands and cultural heritage, the vision of Oklahoma as a promised land for African Americans was challenged, and the stories of individuals like Lucinda Davis and A.G. Belton speak to the multifaceted nature of racial and tribal dynamics in the region.