Excerpt from “Black Moses” by Caleb Gayle

“Black Moses: A Saga of Ambition and the Fight for a Black State” by Caleb Gayle details the life of Edward McCabe, an activist during Reconstruction who advocated for a Black-governed state in the Oklahoma Territory. Amidst the challenges of racism and greed, McCabe aimed to establish a “promised land” for newly freed Blacks. The book highlights a pivotal moment in 1891 when thousands flocked to stake claims on land previously owned by Indigenous nations, representing hope and opportunity for many. Gayle’s work captures the struggle for Black empowerment in a transformative era of American history.