Mathias de Sousa facts for kids

Mathias de Sousa was the first Black Marylander. A free man, Sousa was of African and Portuguese descent.

Life

It is believed that Sousa's father was born in Portugal. Within colonial Maryland society, Sousa was defined as a "mulatto", a person of mixed African and European descent. Sousa worked as an indentured servant for Fr Andrew White, a Catholic priest in the Jesuits; Sousa is also believed to have been Catholic. Following his indentured servitude, which ended in 1638, Sousa worked as a fur trader and a mariner. In March 1641, Sousa was elected as a representative at a Maryland Assembly meeting. This proves that Sousa. was no longer a servant. He voted as a citizen.

Legacy

An historical marker has been erected in St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County, Maryland.