So, I’m moving at an embarrassing rate on this “six fan arts” thing. I think the entire trend is basically over, but I plan on finishing no matter HOW LONG it takes. The first one I’ve completed is The Lone Ranger!

In the spirit of this time where we are all learning things about black history, I thought I’d share some cool history regarding this character. It turns out that The Lone Ranger may have been inspired by the first Black deputy U.S. marshal named Bass Reeves!

Reeves was born into enslavement in 1838. He was forced by his enslaver to fight for the Confederacy during the civil war, but emancipated himself to the Indian Territory until slavery was abolished in 1865.

He was 6 foot 2, proficient with weapons, and he knew the land and languages of the Indian Territory (this may sound familiar to ’True Grit’ fans).

Reeves is said to have arrested over 3,000 people, he sometimes wore disguises to catch outlaws, and was known to be incorruptible. He even arrested his own son for murder! Seriously, John Wayne is trash. Bass Reeves is the real deal!