New England Freedom Association facts for kids
The New England Freedom Association was a group started by African Americans in Boston around 1842. Their main goal was to help enslaved people who had escaped to freedom. They worked to protect these brave individuals from being captured and forced back into slavery.
Helping Escaped Slaves
The New England Freedom Association began in 1842 or 1843. It was active for about five years. Some of its first members included William Cooper Nell, Henry Weeden, and Mary L. Armstead.
This group collected money to help people who had escaped slavery. They called these people "friends who flee to the land of the Pilgrims for their liberty." This meant they helped those who came to Massachusetts seeking freedom. The association held its meetings at the African Meeting House in Boston.
New Leaders and Goals
In December 1845, the association announced that it had changed its leadership. Henry Weeden became the President. John S. Jacobs was the Corresponding Secretary.
The group clearly stated its purpose. They wanted to "extend a helping hand" to everyone who escaped slavery. They aimed to protect these individuals from "the grasp of the man-stealer," which meant slave catchers.
An important rule for the association was that they would "not pay one farthing to any slaveholder." This meant they would never pay money to slave owners to "buy" the freedom of an enslaved person. They believed that no one should own another human being. Their mission was to help people who believed in their own freedom and independence.
Women's Roles
It is important to know that two of the twelve leaders of the New England Freedom Association were women. Their names were Mary L. Armstead and Judith Smith. This was special because other similar groups, like the Boston Vigilance Committee, did not have women as leaders.
Working for Freedom
Some members of the New England Freedom Association were very active in helping escaped slaves. For example, John Coburn, James Scott, and John J. Smith helped Shadrach Minkins escape in 1850. Minkins was an escaped slave who was arrested in Boston. These brave men helped him get away from the authorities.
Eventually, the New England Freedom Association joined forces with another group. This group was the Boston Vigilance Committee. It was made up of both Black and white people who worked together against slavery.
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