This 1739 painting from South Carolina possibly depicts an
enslaved wedding / “Jumping the broom.” 1. What does
liberty mean to the newlyweds and their future children?
2. How do you think this
man would respond to
Patrick Henry’s statement
“Is life so dear, or peace so
sweet, as to be purchased
at the price of chains and
slavery? Forbid it, Almighty
God! I know not what
course others may take;
but as for me, give me
liberty or give me death!”
3. What do you think this enslaved woman would say to her
owners if she had the liberty to speak freely?
4. What are some of the reasons these enslaved men and
women might give for or against escaping to Norfolk, VA to
join Lord Dunmore? What might they say if the meal they
are preparing is for Patrick Henry or some other patriot?
5. How do you think this pregnant mother will respond to Lord
Dunmore’s Proclamation? Why might her husband join the
Ethiopian regiment of Negro soldiers?
6. An estimated 100,000 African-Americans joined the
British. More often they acted as teamsters, cooks, and
laborers. Were they fighting for liberty or traitors to the
American Revolution and its declaration that “all men are
created equal”.