THE EARLY BLACK MIDWEST
Freedom, Slavery, Inequality, & Resistance
Freedom, Slavery & the Midwest Slavery Bans
The history of the African American Midwest is unlike any other region.
The Midwest was the first region where the U.S. Congress banned slavery. It was also the first region with a “Fugitive Slave Law.” This set a pattern: for African Americans, the region has been progressive and oppressive.
Freedom, Slavery & the Midwest Slavery Bans
The history of the African American Midwest is unlike any other region.
The Midwest was the first region where the U.S. Congress banned slavery. It was also the first region with a “Fugitive Slave Law.” This set a pattern: for African Americans, the region has been progressive and oppressive.
Black Laws, Liberty Laws & Freedom Suits
In the pre-Civil War Midwest, a 74 year legal war raged over racial equality, freedom and slavery in capitals and courts.
In the Early Midwest, racist “Anti-Black Laws” were enacted, limiting the rights of free African Americans. But Midwest legislatures also enacted personal liberty laws against the Fugitive Slave Act. And African Americans were able to bring “freedom lawsuits” and in the Midwest, where courts over time ruled that the region’s slavery ban meant all African Americans in the region were free – until the southern-dominated Supreme Court intervened.
Black Laws, Liberty Laws & Freedom Suits
In the pre-Civil War Midwest, a 74 year legal war raged over racial equality, freedom and slavery in capitals and courts.
In the Early Midwest, racist “Anti-Black Laws” were enacted, limiting the rights of free African Americans. But Midwest legislatures also enacted personal liberty laws against the Fugitive Slave Act. And African Americans were able to bring “freedom lawsuits” and in the Midwest, where courts over time ruled that the region’s slavery ban meant all African Americans in the region were free – until the southern-dominated Supreme Court intervened.
Freedom Flights, Escapes & Underground Railroad
A 1,000 mile border divided the Free Midwest from the Slave South.
The Midwest before the Civil War was the “Gateway to Freedom” for thousands of enslaved African Americans. The 1,000+ mile border between the free Midwest states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, and the slaveholding states of Kentucky, Virginia and Missouri, was the means of escape for tens of thousands of enslaved African Americans. And Midwest African American Underground Railroad “conductors,” including John P. Parker, Peter Fosset and George DeBaptise, helped thousands escape across the Midwest to freedom. word
Freedom Flights, Escapes & Underground Railroad
A 1,000 mile border divided the free Midwest from the Slave South.
The Midwest before the Civil War was the “Gateway to Freedom” for thousands of enslaved African Americans. The 1,000+ mile border between the free Midwest states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, and the slaveholding states of Kentucky, Virginia and Missouri, was the means of escape for tens of thousands of enslaved African Americans. And Midwest African American Underground Railroad “conductors,” including John P. Parker, Peter Fosset and George DeBaptise, helped thousands escape across the Midwest to freedom.
Skirmishes, Standoffs & Civil War
The Midwest slavery conflict turned bloody even before the Civil War. When war came, 12,000 African American Midwesterners volunteered in the fight to free their brothers and sisters.
Armed standoffs and guerilla warfare led to Civil War. When war came, midwesterners were to first African Americans to enlist, and the first to see battle.
Skirmishes, Standoffs & Civil War
The Midwest slavery conflict turned bloody even before the Civil War. When war came, 12,000 African American Midwesterners volunteered in the fight to free their brothers and sisters.
Armed standoffs and guerilla warfare led to Civil War. When war came, midwesterners were to first African Americans to enlist, and the first to see battle.