2021 Celebration of Black History - Day 15

Today we celebrate Black History by honoring Elizabeth Freeman

Mum Bett, the slave of a Massachusetts judge, decided to take matters into her own hands after hearing the phrase “all men are born free and equal.” This phrase is in the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution and at the time Mum understood that this also applied to her even as a black person.

Mum went to an attorney, Theodore Sedgwick, and together, they added another enslaved male named Brom to their team. In the end, the dynamic trio would successfully sue for both Mum and Brom’s freedom. This precedent led to many other black slaves successful suing for their freedom in other northern states.

Watch this video to learn more: https://blackhistoryintwominutes.com/abolition-in-the-north-elizabeth-freeman-sues-for-freedom

Read this to learn more: https://www.elizabethfreemancenter.org/who-we-are/elizabeth-freeman