Black Empire by George S. Schuyler
"Black Empire" is a satirical work authored by George S. Schuyler, first published in 1991, which combines two serial novels, "The Black Internationale" and "Black Empire," first serialized in the Pittsburgh Courier, a prominent African American newspaper. The narrative follows Dr. Henry Belsidus, a medical doctor who conspires to reclaim Africa for its Black inhabitants using unconventional and often violent means. Through the eyes of Carl Slater, a reporter who becomes embroiled in Belsidus's plans, readers witness the development of a global conspiracy that includes a network of Black intellectuals and innovators.
The story unfolds against a backdrop of racial tensions and historical injustices, culminating in a dramatic take-over of Africa amidst a distracted Europe during World War II. The plot not only highlights Belsidus's ruthless military strategies but also explores advancements in various fields under his regime. As the narrative progresses, themes of power, resistance, and the complexities of racial identity emerge, making "Black Empire" a provocative exploration of alternate histories and societal dynamics. This work serves as both a cautionary tale and a reflection on the implications of racial conflict and imperialism, inviting readers to engage with its themes critically.
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Black Empire
First published: 1991 (serial form, “The Black Internationale,” Pittsburgh Courier, November 21, 1936-July 3, 1937, and “Black Empire,” Pittsburgh Courier, October 2, 1937-April 16, 1938)
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Science fiction—future war
Time of work: The 1930’s
Locale: The United States, Africa, and Europe
The Plot
Lost for some fifty years, Black Empire was finally determined to have been authored by noted African American satirist George S. Schuyler. Black Empire as published in 1991 is actually two serial novels, “The Black Internationale” and “Black Empire,” that originally appeared in the Pittsburgh Courier, a black newspaper. Although published under separate titles, the two stories fit together and are appropriately collected under a single title. The original newspaper publications were edited into the novel by Robert A. Hill and R. Kent Rasmussen.
Black Empire tells of the exploits of Dr. Henry Belsidus and his efforts to construct a worldwide black conspiracy to reconquer Africa. By profession a medical doctor, Belsidus earns his living serving the needs of New York’s white upper crust. He is slowly amassing, largely by criminal means, an immense amount of wealth to finance his subversive projects. Readers encounter Dr. Belsidus through Carl Slater, a reporter for the Harlem Blade who inadvertently stumbles upon Belsidus committing a brutal murder. Belsidus captures Slater and turns him into his personal assistant. The Black Empire saga is then narrated by Slater.
“Black Internationale” tells the story of the first dramatic steps toward the execution of Belsidus’ plans. Slater discovers that Belsidus has been thorough in his planning. With spies and operatives everywhere, Belsidus is able to generate funds, pursue military and other research, and slowly create a worldwide conspiracy of black intellectuals and inventors. The Black Internationale has made stunning advances in agriculture, energy production, mass communication, and military tactics and weaponry. After a Mississippi lynching, Belsidus puts into full swing his plan to destabilize the United States. After dropping a previously unimagined incendiary device on the white community responsible for the lynching, Belsidus manages to create suspicion among Protestant whites that Jews or Catholics are somehow responsible.
Slater is by now an enthusiastic participant in Belsidus’ project, although he is often put off by Belsidus’ ruthless tactics. Slater’s commitment is heightened as he becomes attracted by and attached to Patricia Givens, the head of Belsidus’ air force. As Belsidus’ divide-and-conquer scheme begins to take effect, specific steps are prepared for the initial invasion of Africa. With white Americans busy fighting one another, no one pays much attention to the substantial military force Belsidus begins to mobilize. Belsidus’ fleet of ships lands in Liberia, and soon his forces take over the whole of the West African country.
“Black Internationale” climaxes with the conquest of all of Africa and the execution or expulsion of all whites. Having used the same divide-and-conquer tactics among the European colonialists as pursued in the United States, Belsidus successfully establishes the “Black Empire” as the European powers are distracted by the onset of World War II.
“Black Empire” picks up where “Black Internationale” leaves off. A significant portion of this component of the novel chronicles the accomplishments of the new authority. Developments in religion, agriculture, communications technology, and health care are considered. With the ending of inter-European hostilities, the European countries turn their attention to regaining their African colonies, and “Black Empire” becomes an adventure story.
Belsidus first resists the Europeans with a form of biological warfare. Slater and Givens—now husband and wife—are part of the counterinsurgency in Europe. The counterinsurgents, under the leadership of the white Martha Gaskin, gas to death thousands of British technicians. After many exciting escapes, Carl Slater and his new wife make their way back to the capital of the Black Empire. Belsidus then unveils a secret weapon, a ray that renders inoperable all European machinery. The Black Empire is saved and preserved.