In the captivating world of the American West, where tales of heroes and outlaws intertwine, there exists the story of a man who rivals the likes of Billy the Kid and Wild Bill Hickok. Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves stands tall at six foot two, an imposing figure matched only by the power of his mustache. Legend has it that his strength was so immense that if he were to spit on a brick, it would shatter. “He was the Michael Jordan of frontier lawmen,” acclaimed biographer Art Burton remarked, “capable of defeating any two men with his bare hands.”
Bass Reeves, who lived from 1838 to 1910, made history as the first Black U.S. deputy marshal west of the Mississippi. His remarkable life now serves as the inspiration for a new TV series on Paramount+. According to CBS News, Reeves fearlessly roamed the treacherous Indian and Oklahoma Territories, striking fear into the hearts of outlaws. Burton, an expert in African American Studies, admitted to being awe-struck during his research on Reeves, stating, “I was constantly shaking my head, thinking, people won’t believe this.”
One would assume that a story as thrilling as this would practically write itself. However, when Burton embarked on his quest to compile research for a book on Reeves, he encountered numerous dead ends. For instance, when attempting to trace Reeves’ family tree, he was met with ignorance. “A woman answered the phone and claimed she had never heard of him,” recounted Burton. “I told her that he was an African American who was a deputy U.S. marshal. She kindly responded, ‘I’m sorry, but we did not keep records of Black people’s history here.'”
Before donning the badge, Reeves was a fugitive, a runaway slave from Texas. Remarkably, the former slave made a name for himself by apprehending white individuals. Yet, his astounding accomplishments had largely faded into obscurity, much like a ghost town. However, the people of Oklahoma believe it is high time for his story to be resurrected. One individual declared, “He is the stuff of legend. I cannot fathom him being white and his incredible career not being the focus of a major motion picture, perhaps even multiple times over.”
To actor David Oyelowo, the saga of Bass Reeves possesses the same elements as that of the Lone Ranger, only in a more profound manner. “It’s one thing to be a white guy with a mask, riding a magnificent horse,” he noted. “But to do all that as a Black man emerging from slavery, persisting for over 30 years without receiving any recognition? It almost feels deliberate that we know so little about him.” Oyelowo discussed his mission to rectify history’s omission with “Sunday Morning,” expressing his passion for both acting in and executive producing an eight-part series on Paramount+ titled “Lawmen: Bass Reeves.”
The production for the series is sweeping in scale, primarily shot on a ranch in Texas, featuring seasoned actors such as Donald Sutherland and Dennis Quaid. “Playing a role in a Western is an absolute pleasure,” Quaid exclaimed. “It transports you back to your twelve-year-old self. Truly magical.” Quaid also expressed his admiration for Reeves’ unwavering commitment to the law, stating, “Bass Reeves was the real deal. He truly lived up to his reputation.”
Oyelowo revealed that he delved into slave narratives stored in the Library of Congress to capture Reeves’ manner of speech accurately. He also honed his roping and riding skills for the role. “I constantly seek out opportunities to challenge myself, and this definitely did the trick!” he chuckled. Through playing this character, Oyelowo gained insight into the kind of man Reeves must have been. Moreover, this role served as a reminder that no matter how long it takes, greatness will always shine through. “One principle I live by is that excellence is the most potent weapon against prejudice,” Oyelowo remarked. “Reeves embodied excellence. It was impossible to dismiss him as an unworthy Black man who should be subjugated. By failing to celebrate him, we are doing him a disservice.”
Bass Reeves lived to the age of 71, spending his final years in the frontier town of Muskogee. To this day, he is fondly remembered and honored at the Bass Reeves Western History Conference, held annually at the Three Rivers Museum. The location of his burial remains unknown, adding to the enigma that surrounds him. Regardless, for Burton, it is of no consequence. The child within him simply wants to express gratitude to Reeves for providing him, and countless other Black Americans, with a symbol of their own legacy. “I always used to wonder, where were we in the stories of the Old West?” Burton pondered. “God answered my prayers by introducing me, before my time is up, to someone who says, ‘We were here too.'”
To catch a glimpse of the “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” series, watch the official trailer on Paramount+ on YouTube.
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