Make Nat Turner Day a State recognized holiday in Virginia
The Issue
Nat Turner Day
Revolutionaries don’t ask for permission. They just make history. In this country, in which we rightfully iconize those with the courage to take the fight to tyranny and injustice, there’s one name that doesn’t receive the veneration it deserves. Nat Turner.
Nat was born on October 2, 1800, in Southampton County, VA, on the plantation of Benjamin Turner, who owned Nat’s family. Nat was an exceptionally bright child and learned to read and write at a young age. He was also endowed with religious fervor and spent much time reading his bible and fasting.
Eventually, Nat began ministering to other enslaved people on nearby plantations. This enabled him to expand his network and sow the seeds of revolution among enslaved people throughout Southampton County.
On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner and six of his closest comrades launched what became known as the Southampton Revolt, also popularly referred to as Nat Turner’s rebellion. The goal of these insurrectionists wasn’t to flee slavery but rather to confront it head-on in battle as God’s sword of retribution on behalf of his oppressed children.
The revolt started in the house of Nat Turner’s enslaver, and the band of insurgents went from plantation to plantation, freeing enslaved blacks and killing whites along the way. He was captured on October 30, 1831, and was hanged 12 days later.
After Turner was executed, his body was flayed and dismembered, and his remains were used to make everything from souvenir purses and wallets to grease for wagon wheels. Over 120 free and enslaved black people were lynched in the wake of Nat Turner’s rebellion. The revolt lasted for just over two days, but it ignited panic in enslavers all over the South and in African Americans, a fire that burns with passion for freedom to this day.
Nat Turner is a symbol of faith, courage, and the right to self-determination. He and his followers embody the lyrics, “And, before I’ll be a slave, I’ll be buried in my grave,” from the Negro Spiritual, ‘O, Freedom’.
Turner’s detractors have tried to characterize him as everything from a madman to a terrorist, but truthfully, he was a man with an overwhelming sense of justice suffering oppression. And every August 21st, we should honor him as such. That’s why BLM757 is proud to launch this petition to institute Aug. 21, the anniversary of Nat Turner’s Rebellion, as a holiday in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We ask you to join us in our efforts to honor the memory of a true freedom fighter.
Participants note Please be advised that any donations made to this website, go towards Change.org and not BLM757. If you would like to support BLM757 - CashApp $BLM757 or Venmo BLM757VA
Please follow us on all social medial platforms: Instagram & twitter = @BLM757
Facebook = Facebook.com/BLM757
TikTok BLM.757
YouTube = BLM757 News
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The Issue
Nat Turner Day
Revolutionaries don’t ask for permission. They just make history. In this country, in which we rightfully iconize those with the courage to take the fight to tyranny and injustice, there’s one name that doesn’t receive the veneration it deserves. Nat Turner.
Nat was born on October 2, 1800, in Southampton County, VA, on the plantation of Benjamin Turner, who owned Nat’s family. Nat was an exceptionally bright child and learned to read and write at a young age. He was also endowed with religious fervor and spent much time reading his bible and fasting.
Eventually, Nat began ministering to other enslaved people on nearby plantations. This enabled him to expand his network and sow the seeds of revolution among enslaved people throughout Southampton County.
On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner and six of his closest comrades launched what became known as the Southampton Revolt, also popularly referred to as Nat Turner’s rebellion. The goal of these insurrectionists wasn’t to flee slavery but rather to confront it head-on in battle as God’s sword of retribution on behalf of his oppressed children.
The revolt started in the house of Nat Turner’s enslaver, and the band of insurgents went from plantation to plantation, freeing enslaved blacks and killing whites along the way. He was captured on October 30, 1831, and was hanged 12 days later.
After Turner was executed, his body was flayed and dismembered, and his remains were used to make everything from souvenir purses and wallets to grease for wagon wheels. Over 120 free and enslaved black people were lynched in the wake of Nat Turner’s rebellion. The revolt lasted for just over two days, but it ignited panic in enslavers all over the South and in African Americans, a fire that burns with passion for freedom to this day.
Nat Turner is a symbol of faith, courage, and the right to self-determination. He and his followers embody the lyrics, “And, before I’ll be a slave, I’ll be buried in my grave,” from the Negro Spiritual, ‘O, Freedom’.
Turner’s detractors have tried to characterize him as everything from a madman to a terrorist, but truthfully, he was a man with an overwhelming sense of justice suffering oppression. And every August 21st, we should honor him as such. That’s why BLM757 is proud to launch this petition to institute Aug. 21, the anniversary of Nat Turner’s Rebellion, as a holiday in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We ask you to join us in our efforts to honor the memory of a true freedom fighter.
Participants note Please be advised that any donations made to this website, go towards Change.org and not BLM757. If you would like to support BLM757 - CashApp $BLM757 or Venmo BLM757VA
Please follow us on all social medial platforms: Instagram & twitter = @BLM757
Facebook = Facebook.com/BLM757
TikTok BLM.757
YouTube = BLM757 News
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Petition created on August 2, 2026