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1839: A defining moment for the abolitionist movement |
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Sengbe Pieh defends the freedom of the Amistad prisoners before the Supreme Court.
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Enslaved Africans break their chains and seize control of the schooner Amistad. Their freedom is short-lived, and they are held in a Connecticut jail while the ship's owners sue to have them returned as property. Congregationalists (forebears of the United Church of Christ) and other Christians organize a campaign to free the captives.
The case becomes a defining moment for the movement to abolish slavery when the Supreme Court rules the captives are not property, and the Africans regain their freedom.
For a list of 20 notable UCC Firsts, check out the More Options menu at the bottom of the left-hand column on this page.The United Church of Christ (UCC) is a union of four principal traditions: Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, and Reformed. Each of these traditions has left a mark on U.S. religious and political history, often in the lead on issues of peace, justice and equality.
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