PWB013: The Use of Litigation by Enslaved African Americans to Secure Freedom

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On this episode, we emphasize the word “agency”.

A well-known individual recently made a comment that slavery in the U.S. was a choice for those enslaved. This sparked many reactions, including the hashtag #ifslaverywasachoice. It also showed that there is a lack of understanding by many of the roles that enslaved African Americans played in securing their freedom. On this episode, our host focuses on the agency of enslaved African Americans and discusses how those who were enslaved used litigation to seek their freedom.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dred Scott v. Sandford

• "The Slave’s Cause” by Manisha Sinha

Sources:

• Dred Scott v. Sandford

• The Quock Walker Case by PBS

• “The Slaves who Sued for Freedom” by Amy Crawford

• “Timeline of Events Relating to the End of Slavery” by the Massachusetts Historical Society

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