Glossary
Abraham (Black Seminole Leader)
A prominent Black Seminole leader and interpreter who played a crucial role in the Second Seminole War, advocating for the freedom and rights of Maroons.
Example:
Abraham, a key figure in Black-Indigenous resistance, demonstrated remarkable leadership in fighting for the autonomy of his community against U.S. forces and their attempts to re-enslave Black Seminoles.
Arkansas Petition for Freedmen's Rights
A post-Civil War document from 1869 where formerly enslaved African Americans in Arkansas actively demanded full citizenship rights and equal treatment.
Example:
The Arkansas Petition for Freedmen's Rights exemplifies the proactive political engagement of African Americans during Reconstruction, as they sought to secure their newly gained freedom with legal and social equality.
Chattel Slavery
A system of slavery where enslaved people are treated as personal property (chattel) that can be bought, sold, inherited, or otherwise transferred, with no rights or legal standing.
Example:
Some Indigenous nations adopted chattel slavery, mirroring the dehumanizing practices of white colonizers by viewing enslaved African Americans as mere possessions rather than human beings.
Five Nations
A collective term for the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole nations, some of whom adopted chattel slavery practices similar to white colonizers.
Example:
While some of the Five Nations enslaved African Americans, their practices and relationships with enslaved people varied significantly, with the Seminoles notably offering refuge to Maroons.
Gopher John (Black Seminole Leader and Interpreter)
A significant Black Seminole leader and interpreter who facilitated communication and alliances between different groups, highlighting the agency of African Americans in Native societies.
Example:
Gopher John's role as an interpreter was vital in bridging cultural divides and negotiating on behalf of the Black Seminole community, showcasing the complex dynamics of the era and the agency of Black leaders.
Maroons
African Americans who escaped slavery and formed independent communities, often in remote or inaccessible areas, to live freely.
Example:
In Florida, many Maroons found refuge and formed alliances with the Seminole people, creating strong communities of resistance against enslavement.
Second Seminole War
A major conflict (1835-1842) between the United States and the Seminoles and their Maroon allies in Florida, primarily over forced relocation and the issue of slavery.
Example:
The Second Seminole War showcased the powerful alliance between Maroons and Seminoles, as they fought side-by-side against U.S. efforts to remove them from their lands and re-enslave Black Seminoles.
Slave Codes
Laws enacted in slaveholding societies, including some Indigenous nations, that regulated the lives of enslaved people, restricting their rights, movement, and interactions.
Example:
The implementation of Slave Codes by some Indigenous nations severely limited the freedoms of enslaved African Americans, making escape and self-determination incredibly difficult.
Slave Patrols
Organized groups, often armed, tasked with monitoring and capturing enslaved people who had escaped or were attempting to escape, enforcing slave codes.
Example:
Slave Patrols were a constant threat to enslaved individuals, making any attempt at freedom extremely perilous due to the risk of recapture and severe punishment.
Trail of Tears
The forced relocation of numerous Indigenous nations, including some of the Five Nations, from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) during the 1830s.
Example:
The Trail of Tears was a devastating journey where thousands of Indigenous people, along with the African Americans they enslaved, suffered immense hardship and loss of life.