White soldiers were coming to steal their land – and even potentially capture them back into slavery. They had to act fast! A proud wave of warriors grabbed their weapons. They would have to fight for their lives and freedom – again!
Throughout the 18th century, Seminole Indians as well as free and formerly enslaved Black people lived and worked together in Florida, which had outlawed slavery in 1693 while it was still a Spanish colony.
Blacks and Natives intermarried and built community there for over a century. But greedy, racist whites were trying to steal their lands! They had to fight back.
It was the largest unified Black and American Indian insurrection in the South. Free Blacks and Seminoles joined in battle with hundreds who had fled slavery. They broke through the U.S. troops’ line, scattering them throughout Florida and destroying 21 sugar plantations!
But they were up against the powerful U.S. military. Could they defeat the threat?
Yes! The Second Seminole War against the U.S. was a success. The Seminole nation was the only American Indian Nation NEVER to surrender to the U.S., and the war could not have been won without Black people coming together to find allies and unify.
We too can unify, combine our strengths, and fight for our liberation by any means necessary!