The Journey of Charles Curtis: A Man with Significant Native American Ancestry Through Segregated Southern United States

Charles Curtis, a man of significant Native American ancestry, traveled through the segregated Southern United States during his tenure. It is important to address certain misconceptions and nuances about his experiences, as well as explore the broader historical context of the time.

Correcting Misconceptions

Curtis was often incorrectly described as having 1/8 Native American blood. In reality, his blood quantum, if quantified at all, was closer to 3/8. He was an enrolled member of the Kaw tribe and embraced his Native American identity fully. Many definitional and legal criteria were used to categorize individuals, and Curtis met both the contemporary and modern definitions of a Native American.

Language and Early Life

Charles Curtis’ first words were not solely Kansa, but a combination of French and Kansa. He learned French from his mother and Kansa from his mother’s Kansa heritage. Curtis did not just have brief interactions with his Native grandparents but lived with them for significant periods, forming deep connections with his Native identity.

Segregation and Identity

The concept of segregation was far more severe and deeply ingrained for Black people than for white-Indian mixed individuals. Curtis, despite possessing a significant Native American ancestry, was often seen as 'white passing.' This designation arose from a societal and legal framework that sometimes afforded individuals of mixed heritage certain privileges that Black people did not have.

History offers us examples of white-Indian mixed individuals who were able to navigate a society that was highly discriminatory against Black people. Greenwood Leflore, a mixed-blood Native American from the Chickasaw and France ancestry, served in the state senate of Mississippi during the peak of the antebellum period. Leflore enjoyed the utility of the 'Pocahontas Clause,' a legal provision that allowed individuals with as little as 1/16th Native American blood to be classified as 'white.'

During the Jim Crow era in Virginia, stringent racial laws were in place, but even then, there was a concession to individual blood quantum. Indigenous individuals with small blood fractions were permitted to be classified as 'white.' Similar provisions existed in Oklahoma, where the state mandated that Indians be considered 'white' for record-keeping purposes and granted access to white schools, despite the presence of tribal or boarding schools.

Furthermore, during Curtis' tenure as Vice President from March 4, 1929, to March 4, 1933, Will Rogers, a widely admired and influential figure, was considered a mixed-blood Native American. Rogers was famous for integrating Native American themes into his work and was one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood by the mid-1930s. His popularity garnered an audience that was more accepting of mixed heritage than they were of full Black individuals.

Assimilation and Culture

Curtis' assimilationist stance was reflective of the era rather than an aberration. Many Native American individuals, both mixed and full-blooded, were encouraged to assimilate due to prevailing social and cultural pressures. While Curtis was certainly not alone in his assimilationist views, it is crucial to acknowledge his tribal status and background.

Conclusion

The life and journey of Charles Curtis within the segregated South of the early 20th century are complex and multifaceted. Understanding the nuances of race, identity, and societal treatment provides a richer and more accurate perspective on his experiences. As we revisit historical figures, it is essential to contextualize their journeys within the broader social and legal landscape of the time.