Running from Bondage: Enslaved Women and Their Remarkable Fight for Freedom in Revolutionary America

During and after the Revolutionary War, enslaved women actively fled or attempted to flee bondage, with Karen Cook Bell's book "Running from Bondage" exploring their individual and collective lives and the social revolution for emancipation and equality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Running from Bondage is a captivating book that delves into the lives of enslaved women, who accounted for one-third of all runaways during and after the Revolutionary War. Karen Cook Bell, in her enlightening and original contribution to the study of slave resistance in eighteenth-century America, explores the individual and collective experiences of these women and girls from diverse backgrounds, while also shedding light on the factors that drove them to escape from bondage. Through her research, Bell demonstrates that the Revolutionary Era was not just a political struggle for independence from Great Britain but also a social revolution aimed at emancipation and equality, with Black women playing an active role.

Running from Bondage broadens and complicates our understanding of this significant event, highlighting the risks taken by these Black founding mothers and their invaluable contributions to the cause of liberty. It sheds light on the complex web of factors that influenced their decisions to flee, including resistance, relationships, and the broader social and political context of the time. By examining the experiences of these women, Running from Bondage provides a deeper appreciation of their resilience, strength, and determination in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, the book challenges traditional narratives and stereotypes about enslaved women and their role in the Revolutionary War. It highlights the fact that they were not passive victims but active agents who played a crucial role in shaping the course of history. Their bravery and ingenuity in navigating the perilous waters of escape and their contributions to the abolitionist movement serve as a testament to their enduring legacy.

In conclusion, Running from Bondage is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of slavery, resistance, and emancipation. It offers a fresh perspective on a momentous event that shaped the course of American history and sheds light on the remarkable contributions of Black women in the struggle for liberty. Through its compelling stories and insightful analysis, the book inspires us to continue to explore the complexities of this period and to honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and equality.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108831543