As they crossed state lines, the enslaved Black people decided to stay together no matter what, determined to find freedom from enslavement. Their story started in Florida, but where would it end?
Even though they were technically still enslaved under Seminole territory, Black Seminoles in Florida enjoyed owning their homes, growing their crops, and growing their families. But when a war general invaded Seminole territory, they refused to return back to non-Seminole enslavement. They pulled up stakes and moved to Oklahoma.
According to a truce agreement, Oklahoma was supposed to be their new home. But when that promise was broken, the Seminoles devised an even more ambitious plan to keep their freedom.
They left the U.S. entirely. The Seminoles immigrated to Mexico, where they received a land grant, jobs, and their freedom. Their dedication to staying unified throughout their international journey resulted in the most giant mass slave escape in U.S. history.
The Seminoles could have parted ways and made their own fortunes. But their willingness to stick together shows that we’re unbeatable in our fight for Black liberation when we unite.