The Stono Rebellion began when a group of 20 enslaved rebels killed two South Carolina gun shop owners. The rebels then armed themselves, headed south towards Florida, and rescued other enslaved people along the route.
They destroyed any oppressors who dared block their way. But they had to hurry.
Time was of the essence as 20 white militia men closed in on them. The rebellion ended with dozens killed on both sides – any rebels who survived the standoff were executed.
An immediate 10-year moratorium was placed on trading enslaved Africans – who were thought to be “too aggressive” – but that didn’t give enough reassurance that there would be no more bloodshed.
Then came the Negro Act of 1740.
The act attempted to control the minds and movement of the enslaved using slave codes. The codes banned teaching the enslaved to read or write.
Enslaved people also weren’t allowed to gather without white supervision, grow their own food, or dress decently for over a century.
Today, we continue to fight laws that systematically restrict our communities' access to quality education, clean water, nourishing food, and our right to gather without police surveillance and harassment.
White supremacy is terrified that one day soon, we will rise and free ourselves from their oppressive violence, the way enslaved Africans once attempted to during the Stono Rebellion. Rightfully so!