On this day in 1644, the first known legal protest for freedom by those African descent occurred in New Netherland (New York).
On this day in 1644 by Jerry Mitchell, Mississippi Today February 11, 2024 Feb. 11, 1644 New Amsterdam depicted in a cartoon, circa 1642 The first known legal protest by those of African descent in what became the United States took place when 11 Black Americans petitioned the Council for New Netherland for freedom, saying they had fulfilled their contracts to the Dutch West India Co.
They had been brought to the colony just a few years after its 1624 founding. They won their fight, but they remained in legal limbo in what became known as “half-freedom.” They received property, but they still had to pay crops and cattle to the company each year. One of them, Manuel de Gerrit de Reus, was accused with eight others of killing a Black man. The company decided to execute only one of them, and de Reus drew the short straw. But when the officials tried to execute him, both nooses around his neck broke. At the behest of witnesses, they pardoned him instead. Five months later, eight Black Americans returned to court, demanding their full freedom. They cited the arrival of English soldiers, who might re-enslave them. Despite those fears, the Black Americans managed to keep their freedom and lived north of what is now Washington Square Park, creating New York City’s first free Black community.This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.The stories of investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell have helped put four Klansmen and a serial killer behind bars. His stories have also helped free two people from death row, exposed injustices and corruption, prompting investigations and reforms as well as the firings of boards and officials. He is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, a longtime member of Investigative Reporters & Editors, and a winner of more than 30 other national awards, including a $500,000 MacArthur “genius” grant. After working for three decades for the statewide Clarion-Ledger, Mitchell left in 2019 and founded the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting.
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New York/New Jersey chosen to host 2026 World Cup FinalMetLife Stadium in New Jersey will officially host the 2026 World Cup Final, FIFA announced on Sunday.
Read more »
'Top Chef' Is Back for Season 21 — Here's Your First Look at the Contestants'Top Chef' is back for an all-new season, bringing us new chefs, new judges, and a new location to love.
Read more »
I Got Dimpleplasty After 15 Years of Wanting Dimples: Before & AfterWhen the movie ‘ATL’ premiered in theaters, every girl wanted to be New New.
Read more »
JW PEI Cofounder Talks Fave New Products & Wishes For The Lunar New YearCelebrate the new year with JW PEI and the brand's red, gold, and white handbags, jewelry, and shoes.
Read more »
What is Lunar New Year and how is it different from Chinese New Year?From lucky foods to traditional greetings, we answer your questions about Lunar New Year.
Read more »
New law requires New York businesses to show credit card surcharge in price before checkoutBusinesses in the Empire State must now include credit card surcharges in the prices they show to customers, like on menus, before checkout.
Read more »