“We are free, but the white people here won't let us be so; and the only way is to raise up and fight the whites” - Denmark Vesey
(Denmark Vesey)
Denmark Vesey was born on an unknown date in 1767 in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. He was born into slavery. He was a skilled carpenter and could read. When he was 32 he won a lottery and purchased his freedom. Vesey became active in the Second Presbyterian Church. In 1818 he was among the founders of an independent AME Church in the city. In 1822 Vesey plotted a slave revolt. He planned to kill slaveholders in Charleston, liberate the slaves, and sail to the black republic of Haiti for refuge. Before the revolt could start city officials arrested Vesey and others involved. Vesey and five slaves were among the first group of men rapidly judged guilty by the secret proceedings of a city appointed Court and condemned to death. On July 2nd, 1822 Denmark Vesey was executed in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. He was about 55 years old.
(A statue of Denmark Vesey)
Today is the 194th anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great revolutionary today.
(P.S. sorry for the late post)
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