Mumbet's Declaration of Independence
Record details
- ISBN: 0761365893 (lib. bdg. : alk. paper)
- ISBN: 9780761365891 (lib. bdg. : alk. paper)
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Physical Description:
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 26 cm
print - Publisher: Minneapolis, MN : Carolrhoda Books, [2014]
Content descriptions
General Note: | Includes bibliographic references. |
Search for related items by subject
Subject: | Slavery History 18th century Massachusetts Biography African American women Biography Enslaved persons Biography Enslaved women Biography Freeman, Elizabeth 1744?-1829 |
Available copies
- 1 of 1 copy available at Kenton County.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Covington Branch | J B F855w (Text) | 33126019683113 | JBiography | Available | - |
- School Library Journal Reviews : SLJ Reviews 2014 January
Gr 2â4âElizabeth Freeman, known as "Mumbet," was an African American slave in 18th-century Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 included the provision, "All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights." Using that document as a basis, Mumbet, with the support of a young lawyer named Theodore Sedgwick, challenged the legality of slavery. As a result of their efforts, in 1783 slavery was declared unconstitutional and 5000 slaves in the state gained freedom. Vividly colored illustrations reflect the generally hopeful tone of the story, while bold compositions and thickly layered paint suggest folk art. Freeman's strength of character is reflected in her determined facial expressions and strong stance. While her story is highly inspiring, details about her life are sketchy; information comes primarily from an account written by Catharine Maria Sedgwick, the daughter of Theodore. While this picture book is presented as nonfiction, the story itself is highly fictionalized. An author's note explains what is known about Mumbet and reminds readers that "History is fluid."âLucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA
[Page 117]. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.