How Elizabeth Freeman Gain Her Freedom On Court

In 1781, Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mum Bett, made history as the first enslaved African American to successfully sue for her freedom. Living in Massachusetts, Freeman endured years of enslavement under harsh conditions. Inspired by the Massachusetts Constitution, which declared that “all men are born free and equal,” she took a bold step and challenged her enslavement in court.

Freeman’s journey to this historic moment began years earlier when, as a teenager, she was sent to the Ashley household as a wedding gift. For decades, she served the family of Colonel John Ashley, a prominent political figure who had played a role in drafting the Sheffield Declaration in 1773—a precursor to the Declaration of Independence. The ideals of freedom and equality championed in the declaration sharply contrasted with the harsh reality of slavery in the Ashley home, making Freeman’s decision to fight for her freedom even more profound.

Recognizing the injustice of her situation and the promise of the Massachusetts Constitution, Freeman sought the help of attorney Theodore Sedgwick. Understanding the significance of the case, Sedgwick included another enslaved person, a man named Brom, in the lawsuit. This strategic move aimed to bolster the case’s credibility, as it was feared that a lawsuit filed solely by a woman might not be taken seriously in court.

On August 21, 1781, Freeman and Brom’s case, Brom and Bett v. Ashley, was heard at the County Court of Common Pleas in Great Barrington. The following day, the all-white, all-male jury ruled in their favor, declaring that their enslavement violated the principles of the Massachusetts Constitution. Freeman and Brom were granted immediate freedom. This courageous act not only transformed Freeman’s life but also set a legal precedent that laid the foundation for advancing freedom and equality in America.

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