As soon as midnight fell over New York City, groups of Black people joined forces. Armed with swords, guns, and knives, they were ready to fight. They were on a mission to inspire their people to do the same!
NYC was densely populated, even in 1712. Enslaved and free people lived side-by-side, and these close living quarters made it easy for them to get organized – contrary to how things often were on Southern plantations.
A violent uprising was brewing.
On the night of April 6th, twenty enslaved people gathered in Manhattan and set a building ablaze in the middle of town. As the fire spread, enslavers tried to extinguish it, but instead, they were met with coordinated attacks!
Our people came in swinging to fight for their freedom. And in the end, nine white people were killed and even more wounded.
Unfortunately, the revolution was put down. Many of our people were captured and subjected to brutal public executions.
Today, the criminal legal system continues to keep Black people in bondage and subject us to heinous killings.
Much of the country, including New York City, has Black folks’ blood on its hands. Although we’re no longer enslaved, the criminal legal system keeps our people in similar conditions – but like these rebels, we must be willing to take our liberation by any means necessary.