**Title: Unveiling the Forgotten Legend of Bass Reeves: The Untold Story of a Legendary African American Lawman**
**Subtitle: Paramount+ TV Series Sheds Light on the Life and Heroic Deeds of First Black U.S. Deputy Marshal West of the Mississippi**
In the realm of American Western folklore, where tales of both courageous lawmen and outlaws are woven into the fabric of history, one name stands tall – Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves. Regarded as tough as Billy the Kid, as skilled with a gun as Wild Bill Hickok, and as swift as a Pony Express horse, Reeves is a true embodiment of frontier heroism. Despite his larger-than-life persona, this African American lawman’s fascinating story had long been shrouded in obscurity, until now.
Renowned biographer Art Burton aptly compares Reeves to the “Michael Jordan of frontier lawmen,” emphasizing his exceptional physical prowess and combat skills. Standing at an imposing 6 foot 2, his commanding presence was further accentuated by his infamous mustache, which was said to possess enough strength to shatter a brick when spat upon.
Born a slave in Texas, Reeves would eventually flee his captors, escaping to Indian and Oklahoma Territories, where he roamed fearlessly, becoming the stuff of nightmare for any lawbreaker. Burton, an expert in African American Studies, discovered Reeves’ awe-inspiring tale while researching and was stunned by the sheer incredibility of it all. He exclaimed, “People are not going to believe this!”
But telling the story of Reeves was no easy task, as Burton encountered countless dead ends during his research. When attempting to trace the Reeves family tree, he discovered that the history of African Americans had not been preserved in some regions. One phone call to a lady revealed this tragic reality, when she confessed to never having heard of Reeves, explaining that they did not keep Black people’s history. This glaring omission further emphasized the significance of bringing Reeves’ story to light.
Reeves’s transformation from a fugitive slave to an esteemed lawman who even arrested white individuals only adds to the astonishing nature of his tale. Despite his remarkable achievements, Reeves had been relegated to the dusty corners of forgotten history, leaving many Oklahomans bewildered. One person reflected, “He’s the stuff of legend. I cannot imagine him being white, and having the kind of career he had, and it not being a major motion picture already.”
Actor David Oyelowo, who portrays Reeves in the new eight-part series “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” on Paramount+, also expresses his admiration for Reeves. He draws a parallel between the African American lawman and the Lone Ranger, stating that Reeves’ story surpasses it in every way. Oyelowo remarks, “You’re a Black man coming out of enslavement, and you do it for 30-plus years, and no one is paying you any attention? It sort of feels intentional almost, that we don’t know more about him.”
The TV series, shot primarily on a Texas ranch and featuring veteran actors like Donald Sutherland and Dennis Quaid alongside Oyelowo, represents an ambitious production aiming to revive Bass Reeves’ legacy. Quaid enthusiastically states, “It’s like being 12 years old again. It really is.” Oyelowo dedicated himself to portraying Reeves accurately, studying slave narratives to capture the character’s speech patterns and even learning to rope and ride. His commitment to the role reflects the desire to rectify historical erasure and celebrate Reeves’ extraordinary life.
Reflecting on the man Reeves must have been, Oyelowo notes that the depiction of excellence serves as the most potent weapon against prejudice. Reeves’ undeniable talent and accomplishments defy attempts to dismiss him, which is why celebrating him becomes imperative. The TV series aims to shine a long-overdue light on Reeves, ensuring that his story is never forgotten again.
Bass Reeves passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind an unmatched legacy. While the location of his final resting place remains unknown, his memory lives on through annual celebrations at the Bass Reeves Western History Conference in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Reeves, the once-forgotten hero, resurfaces to claim his rightful place in the annals of American history, inspiring a sense of pride and awe not only for biographer Art Burton but for countless Black Americans who finally have a legend of their own.
Indeed, the tale of Bass Reeves is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a remarkable man who defied all odds and became an iconic symbol of justice in the Wild West. With the release of the “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” series, the legend has been resurrected, inviting audiences to revel in the triumphs and adventures of a true American hero.