Discover the Untold Story of Native Hawaiian Resistance to American Colonialism at the John Hope Franklin Center

The Native Hawaiian resistance to American colonialism is a captivating and overlooked chapter in the history of the United States. At the John Hope Franklin Center, this powerful narrative comes to life through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs that shed light on the struggles and resilience of the Native Hawaiian people. In this article, we will delve into the history of Native Hawaiian resistance, explore the significance of the John Hope Franklin Center, and uncover the untold stories that have shaped Native Hawaiian culture and identity.

The Native Hawaiian Resistance Movement

The arrival of American colonizers in the 19th century marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for Native Hawaiians. The American government enacted policies and laws that aimed to assimilate and marginalize the Native Hawaiian population, eroding their culture and land rights. However, the Native Hawaiian people did not remain passive victims. They mounted a resistance movement to protect their land, preserve their traditions, and assert their sovereignty.

One of the most prominent figures in the Native Hawaiian resistance movement was Queen Liliuokalani. As the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, she fought tirelessly to protect her people and their sovereignty. Queen Liliuokalani's opposition to the creation of a puppet government led by American businessmen ultimately led to her overthrow in 1893. The significance of her resistance and the subsequent annexation of Hawaii by the United States cannot be understated in understanding the Native Hawaiian struggle against American colonialism.

Aloha Betrayed: Native Hawaiian Resistance to American Colonialism (a John Hope Franklin Center Book)

by Noenoe K. Silva (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3954 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

FREE

The John Hope Franklin Center

The John Hope Franklin Center, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a crucial institution in preserving and promoting the history of Native Hawaiian resistance. Named after the esteemed historian and civil rights activist, John Hope Franklin, the center serves as a hub for research, education, and advocacy on Native Hawaiian issues. Through their exhibits, events, and partnerships, the center aims to create awareness and understanding of the Native Hawaiian experience, including their resistance against American colonialism.

The center boasts an extensive collection of Native Hawaiian artifacts, documents, and artworks showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of the Native Hawaiian people. Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight the various forms of resistance employed by Native Hawaiians throughout history, from protests and petitions to legal battles and grassroots activism. The center also organizes educational programs that provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by Native Hawaiians and the ways they have fought for their rights and cultural preservation.

The Untold Stories of Native Hawaiian Resistance

While the Native Hawaiian resistance movement may not receive the same level of attention as other resistance movements in American history, the stories of resilience and resistance are just as compelling and important. These stories shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by Native Hawaiians to reclaim their land, language, and heritage in the face of American colonialism.

One such untold story is that of the Hui Aloha 'Aina Anti-Annexation Petitions. In 1897, thousands of Native Hawaiians, under the leadership of Robert Wilcox, signed petitions opposing the annexation of Hawaii. These petitions were meticulously collected and documented, serving as a powerful testament to the widespread resistance against American colonial rule. The John Hope Franklin Center has made efforts to digitize and showcase these petitions, allowing visitors to explore this extraordinary act of collective resistance.

Another powerful story is that of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, which seeks to restore the independence and self-governance of the Native Hawaiian people. This grassroots movement, born out of the injustices of American colonialism, has gained momentum in recent decades. Through protests, legal battles, and cultural revitalization efforts, Native Hawaiians continue to fight for their right to self-determination and the protection of their land and resources.

Native Hawaiian resistance to American colonialism is a multifaceted and significant aspect of American history that deserves greater recognition and understanding. The John Hope Franklin Center serves as a beacon of knowledge and an advocate for the Native Hawaiian community, preserving their stories and educating the public on their struggles and triumphs. By acknowledging and sharing the untold stories of Native Hawaiian resistance, we can contribute to a more inclusive and accurate narrative of American colonialism and its impact on Indigenous communities.

Aloha Betrayed: Native Hawaiian Resistance to American Colonialism (a John Hope Franklin Center Book)

by Noenoe K. Silva (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3954 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

FREE

In 1897, as a white oligarchy made plans to allow the United States to annex Hawai'i, native Hawaiians organized a massive petition drive to protest. Ninety-five percent of the native population signed the petition, causing the annexation treaty to fail in the U.S. Senate. This event was unknown to many contemporary Hawaiians until Noenoe K. Silva rediscovered the petition in the process of researching this book. With few exceptions, histories of Hawai'i have been based exclusively on English-language sources. They have not taken into account the thousands of pages of newspapers, books, and letters written in the mother tongue of native Hawaiians. By rigorously analyzing many of these documents, Silva fills a crucial gap in the historical record. In so doing, she refutes the long-held idea that native Hawaiians passively accepted the erosion of their culture and loss of their nation, showing that they actively resisted political, economic, linguistic, and cultural domination. Drawing on Hawaiian-language texts, primarily newspapers produced in the nineteenth century and early twentieth, Silva demonstrates that print media was central to social communication, political organizing, and the perpetuation of Hawaiian language and culture. A powerful critique of colonial historiography, Aloha Betrayed provides a much-needed history of native Hawaiian resistance to American imperialism.