jul 21, 1656 - Elizabeth Key Court Case
Description:
Elizabeth Key Grinstead became first woman of African descent to sue for freedom and winElizabeth Key was born to an enslaved African mother and a free English father.
After being held in servitude far beyond a nine-year term agreed upon by her father, she sued for her freedom in 1655.
She based her claim on her father's free status, her baptism as a Christian, and the original agreement.
A local jury ruled in her favor, but the colonial General Court overturned the decision. Elizabeth appealed to the General Assembly, which ultimately ruled that she should be free, recognizing that her father's free status, her Christian faith, and the terms of the 1636 agreement supported her claim.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jul 21, 1656
Now
~ 370 years ago