Ride Beyond the Restless Darkness: A Short Story of the Old Black West

RIDE BEYOND THE RESTLESS DARKNESS is a short story about relationships among different racial and ethnic groups, and reflects what life was for runaway slaves leaving the plantations of the South and going west to the plains of Texas. Many of these ex-slaves were trailblazers, pioneers, ranch workers, and calvarymen known as "Buffalo Soldiers" who proved that they could ride, shoot, and fight as well as any other soldiers; especially, when it came to fighting against the Indians. In addition, African-Americans, because of their prowness were greatly respected by different groups of Native Americans; and bonds of friendship were often developed between these groups. The central character, Johnson Able, in this short story portrays what finding employment opportunities was like for Black settlers; and how it was possible to survive discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice, while at the same time overcoming one's own personal demons. RIDE BEYOND THE RESTLESS DARKNESS leaves the reader with a sense that contributions by African-Americans were essential in the development of the early American West, and that hope is truly a reflection of expectation and determination.