Force and Freedom

Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence

By: Kellie Carter Jackson

Narrated by: Machelle Williams

From its origins in the 1750s, the White-led American abolitionist movement adhered to principles of "moral suasion" and nonviolent resistance as both religious tenet and political strategy. But by the 1850s, the population of enslaved Americans had increased exponentially, and such legislative efforts as the Fugitive Slave Act and the Supreme Court's 1857 ruling in the Dred Scott case effectively voided any rights Black Americans held as enslaved or free people. As conditions deteriorated for African Americans, Black abolitionist leaders embraced violence as the only means of shocking Northerners out of their apathy and instigating an antislavery war.

Through rousing public speeches, the bourgeoning Black press, and the formation of militia groups, Black abolitionist leaders mobilized their communities, compelled national action, and drew international attention. Drawing on the precedent and pathos of the American and Haitian Revolutions, African American abolitionists used violence as a political language and a means of provoking social change. Through tactical violence, argues Carter Jackson, Black abolitionist leaders accomplished what White nonviolent abolitionists could not: creating the conditions that necessitated the Civil War.

©2019 University of Pennsylvania Press (P)2021 Tantor

My ancestors were active in their freedom

This is such a good book. It lays to rest a lot of the propaganda that the enslaved were decile and weren’t active in obtaining their own freedom.

best book on abolition

this is the best book pertaining to the 20+ years of the abolition movement from 1830-1850s. it centers black abolition from the black lens versus a white one. it makes you rethink that time period completely

Wonderfully compelling.

I couldn't wait to continue listening. I learned so much about the sentiment of the various movements which lead us to where we are now and how we got here. Great writing.

Eye opening

My eyes are open and now I'm woke. Hard being black in Amerikkka- NOw I know why.

a must read.

POWERFUL A MUST FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT PRE CIVIL WAR .

Needed in every classroom

Jackson does a phenomenal job in her monograph. This piece articulates how abolitionists used violence to end slavery. Unlike many other monographs about pre-civil war, this text authentically captures Black abolitionists instead of focusing on whitewashed versions of history. This is a must read.

Great book , it should be required reading.

You must know the history to prevent it from happening again. Great book and narration was outstanding.

Helped fill in my ignorant history lessons

I am woefully ignorant about Black history and this book helped me understand what has happened. Can one book complete my knowledge? No, of course, but I'm better informed after listening to this. Thanks you.

Book was too good for this mediocre narrator

Outstanding book that serves as the perfect companion piece for “This Nonviolent Stuff’ll Get You Killed”.

The book is good from beginning to end and full of direct quotes from the key abolitionists and their opponents.

This is required reading for anyone who claims they are educated on black history.

Great history lesson!

I learned that blacks abolishing slavery believed for was need as well as words & laws.