Of all the wonders of black heritage, one that has always stood out is the story of Yasuke, the first black man to rise to the rank of the prestigious samurai rank of the Japanese Empire. His life, his story, shall portray how relevant it is to our community. The appearance of Yasuke at the Japanese Island of Kyoto was truly an amazing sight, as locals of the island flocked in their numbers, nearly causing a stampede just to be able to see the 6-foot black slave. Due to his “charcoal-like” skin color, Japanese warlord, Oda Nobunaga, ordered that Yasuke be stripped of his clothing and for the “black ink” to be scrubbed from his skin.
The story of Yasuke started off like most black figures. Yasuke was abducted, according to historians, from his hometown around Central Africa or Mozambique. His appearance in Japanese island of Kyoto was as a result of a missionary trip embarked by Jesuit priest, named Alessandro Valignano who bought him as a slave, and brought him along on his missionary trip in 1579.
Owing to his strength and stature, Oda Nobunaga brought him on as a feudal bodyguard, praising him for his amazing strength. The Japanese warlord took advantage of Yasuke, looking past his skin color at nothing other than his abilities.Owing to this, Yasuke moved from being a lowly slave to being enrolled into the ranks of the Samurai, having the honor of riding with Oda on his right side in battle. However, owing to the turbulent state of the Japanese empire at that time, the fortress of Oda Nobunaga was overrun by a general that had betrayed him. Yasuke fought till the end, ever the loyal subordinate, to defend the fortress with the son of Oda Nobunaga, Oda Nobutada, but they lost. Yasuke was eventually banished to live with an European Jesuit in Kyoto where he spent the rest of his life.
See –Â How should the black man act towards religion?
Like we said earlier, we have a lot to learn from the story of the first black samurai, Yasuke. The lessons from his life, his origin, can really influence the ways we live our lives as black folks.
Your Color is Your Pride
One of the things that stood out about Yasuke was his skin color. Despite the fact that the world views the black race with contempt, our identity lies beyond our skin color. It does not make us different, it makes us unique. We have to ‘wear’ it with pride.
Imbibe The Spirit of Loyalty and Dedication
Yasuke may have been a slave, but he got to the height he was through his loyalty and dedication to his duties, and to his master. The black man can do more for himself, if he ends up being loyal and dedicated. This does not mean that he has to be timid, or cowardly, but he has to carryout his duties with loyalty and dedication.
Build Your Strength
Yasuke may have been a man of strength and huge stature, but the black man can also take a message from that too. Build your strength, take advantage of the internet, read a book, attend those seminars that can benefit you, go to school, take up internship positions to learn more. Yasuke got the attention of his master with his strength; the black man can get the attention of the world through his strength.
