jan 1, 1656 - Elizabeth Key Grinstead
Description:
Elizabeth Key Grinstead became one of the first women of African American ancestry in the North American colonies to sue for her and her son's freedom and win.Both her relationship with William Grinstead, a white Englishman, as well as the fact that she was a baptized Christian, were essential in the court's decision to rule in her favour.
Unfortunately, her lawsuit prompted the Virginia Assembly to codify laws regarding racial slavery which doomed thousands of descendants of European men and women, as well as African and mixed-race men, women, and children to lifetime slavery.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1656
Now
~ 369 years ago