IT’S DIFFICULT, in 2023, to really embody or connect with the uncertainty that would have underpinned the making of every major decision as a Black family during the ‘Old West’ period, which saw Bass Reeves become one of the first Black US Deputy Marshals.

If you imagine that a significant number of Black people today still don’t actually feel free, (definitely not free from the unwanted legacy of slavery), it’s no surprise to hear that Demi Singleton, who plays Sally Reeves, the eldest daughter of Bass, believes that it is important for Lawmen: Bass Reeves to highlight the precariousness surrounding the building of a life during the mid to late 1800s.

The hit Paramount+ show does a great job of homing in on the multifaceted difficulties that a Black family would have faced embracing the road of self determination. 

For Singleton, the story demonstrates ‘just how strong Black families were and are and how they are able to persevere against all odds.’ 

She adds: “As free Black Americans in post-Civil War America, a lot of the things that they hold dear to them are things that they know can be taken away from them.

“The story takes place in a time where there was a lot of uncertainty for the Black community. My character holds on to her poetry and her education because she’s a dreamer and it allows for her to escape the reality that she’s in and dream for a better future for herself, for generations to come.”

As hazy as the history around the untold story of the most legendary lawman West of the Mississippi is, Lawmen: Bass Reeves fills the gaps with plausible scenarios and relatable context.

But why was Bass Reeves forgotten in history? 

Many historians believe that it was due to the overwhelming amount of racism, shame and politics during this time period that allowed his story to be forgotten. 

Executive Producer star of the show, David Oyelowo, said: “There are no stories about this time period about this African American who was given this authority to carry a badge, be given a gun and arrest white people, arrest Native Americans, arrest Black people, anyone, to protect and serve in defense of the law.” 

In historical circles, it is often summarised as an effort by those at the time to forcibly change the narrative 

Away from the family, it’s clear that Reeves’s early life experiences as a free man led him to honing a vital skill-set that would later serve him well, simply, the ability to communicate with people beyond his normal circles.

Fleeing towards the Red River, Reeves sought refuge in what was known at the time as “Indian Territory,” which comprised what we now know as primarily Oklahoma, but also included

Nebraska, Kansas and some parts of Iowa. 

During his refuge, Reeves learned the languages, customs and hunting practices of the Seminole, Choctaw and Creek tribes. 

The connection he formed with these Native American tribes would allow him to become an important figure during the early years of ‘Reconstruction’, which ushered in dramatic social, economic and political change.

Since Bass was no longer an enslaved man, he purchased property in Arkansas, and took up

work as a guide for government officials through the lawless Indian Territory. 

His guidance, discipline and his ability to live amongst and build relationships with the local Native American tribes caught the attention of Federal Judge Isaac Parker, who would then commission Reeves to serve as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in 1875. Reeves went on to serve 30 years as a Deputy Marshal.

In six episodes, Creator, Showrunner, Writer and Executive Producer Chad Feehan, alongside Oyelowo and the brilliant cast which includes Singleton, Lauren E. Banks, Forrest Goodluck, Barry Pepper, Dennis Quaid and Donald Sutherland, have delivered a narrative that does the Reeves legacy proud. 

They didn’t fill the gaps in history with sensationalism, wanton violence or lowbrow replication of a dire and desperate time in history, they filled it with a thought provoking sequence of events which highlight the complexity of a Black man who’s inherent excellence, spiritual and moral compass combined with a fervent zest for life was rewarded, despite the incessant negativity which his life was immersed in.

It’s a journey from enslavement to law enforcement that, rightfully, should never be forgotten.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is streaming on Paramount+ on Sundays. 

*David Oyelowo and Demi Singleton were speaking before the SAG-AFTRA strike.