Dangerfield Newby was a free man! And the one thing he wanted most in the world was to reunite with his wife and children.
The white enslaver holding them captive finally agreed on a purchase price for them – but then something went wrong.
By the time Newby earned the money, the white man was struggling financially. When Newby arrived to pay, the double-crosser had increased the price!
Now his family might be sold out from under him. Infuriated, Newby left without his family – but didn’t give up.
Slavery was becoming more and more controversial in 1859, so when Newby had the opportunity to help plan a revolt, he took it!
He’d tried to do the “right” thing and purchase them. But now, he would help destroy the institution of enslavement altogether.
Newby helped plan the Harper’s Ferry revolt, which went on to become the most famous revolt of enslaved people in U.S. history. What’s more, this attempt served as a precursor to the Civil War.
Unfortunately, Newby died in the revolt, a love letter from his wife pinned to his chest. He never got to see his family again.
Black love in its purest form has always existed, but it’s not often the narrative told about our people. And we can always remember that Dangerfield’s love for his family led him to fight to the death to earn their freedom.