Gullah Jack facts for kids

Gullah Jack (who passed away on July 12, 1822) was also known as Couter Jack. He was a slave owned by Paul Pritchard in Charleston, South Carolina. Gullah Jack was a follower of the Methodist faith.

Who Was Gullah Jack?

Not much is known about Gullah Jack's early life. We know he was from Angola, a country in Africa. He was brought to America from Zanzibar by a person named Zephaniah Kingsley.

Gullah Jack's Journey to America

Gullah Jack first arrived in Florida at the Kingsley Plantation. In 1812, after a raid by the Seminole people on the plantation, he escaped. He made his way to Charleston, South Carolina. In 1821, Paul Pritchard bought him.

Gullah Jack and the 1822 Uprising

Gullah Jack is remembered for his important role in a large planned uprising of enslaved people in 1822. This event is known as Denmark Vesey's slave conspiracy. Gullah Jack worked with Denmark Vesey to plan this event.

Planning the Uprising

Both Vesey and Gullah Jack were connected to the AME Church in Charleston. It was at this church that Vesey asked Gullah Jack to join his plan for an uprising in Charleston.

Gullah Jack's Special Role

Gullah Jack was very important in getting enslaved people who were born in Africa to join the plan. He used his African traditions and spiritual beliefs to help. He gave people special charms. These charms were meant to protect them from "buckra" (a term for white people). People also believed he used his spiritual powers to make sure others kept the plan a secret. Historians think Gullah Jack's strong African culture, combined with Vesey's teachings, helped many enslaved people decide to join the uprising.

The Plan's Details

The plan involved taking over the state armory. This would allow the enslaved people to get weapons. Enslaved people from farms and nearby islands would then join the uprising. The goal was to take control of Charleston. After that, they hoped to use the city's ships to escape. They planned to go to Haiti. In Haiti, enslaved people had already won their freedom and created their own government.

The Uprising is Discovered

Sadly, the plan was found out. Some enslaved people were pressured into telling what they knew. Gullah Jack was arrested on July 5, 1822. He was tried for his part in planning the uprising, along with 130 other people. In the end, authorities in South Carolina took strong action. Denmark Vesey, Gullah Jack, and 34 other main planners faced severe consequences for their involvement.