Also known as "Mum Bett," Elizabeth Freeman initiated the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley in 1781, which resulted in her being one of the first African Americans to win her freedom through a court ruling. This case set a precedent that contributed to the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts.

Freeman's case was significant because it directly challenged the legality of slavery based on the newly adopted Massachusetts Constitution of 1780. The success of her case demonstrated that the ideals of freedom and equality outlined in the state constitution applied to all individuals, regardless of race, and helped pave the way for the eventual end of slavery in Massachusetts.

Elizabeth Freeman's courageous legal battle and subsequent freedom made her a powerful symbol of African American resistance to slavery. Her actions showcased the ability of enslaved individuals to fight for their rights and inspired future generations in the struggle for justice and equality. After gaining her freedom, Freeman worked for the family of her lawyer, Theodore Sedgwick, and became a respected and influential figure in her community.

Mary Prince, born into slavery in Bermuda, used her personal experiences to expose the brutal realities of the slave trade. Her autobiography published in 1831, "The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave," was one of the earliest narratives of a Black woman's life and enslavement. Her book became a significant abolitionist text, helping to galvanize public opinion against the institution of slavery.

Prince was also the first woman to present an anti-slavery petition to the British Parliament. Her courage in sharing her story and advocating for abolition inspired others to join the movement and contributed to the eventual emancipation of enslaved people throughout the British Empire.

A former enslaved woman who escaped to freedom in 1826, became a conductor of the Underground Railroad and a fiery orator.

Sojourner Truth's speeches on abolition and women's rights captivated and inspired audiences. Known for her "Ain't I a Woman?" speech at the Women’s Right’s Convention in Akron, Ohio, she eloquently argued for the rights of women, highlighting the strength and resilience of women of color and challenging prevailing notions of gender and race.

Truth’s personal experiences gave her a depth of perspective on the injustices of slavery. She became one of the most revered figures in the abolitionist movement.

Born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Thomas Garrett became one of the most active and effective conductors on the Underground Railroad. Settling on Shipley Street in Wilmington, Delaware, he owned and operated an iron and hardware store, which also served as a critical station on the Underground Railroad where he provided shelter, food, and guidance to runaway slaves.

Garrett worked closely with Harriet Tubman, and their partnership was instrumental in the success of many escape missions. Garrett's resources and network greatly supported Tubman's efforts.

In 1848, Garrett stood trial at the New Castle Courthouse, accused by two slave owners of aiding runaway slaves and was sued under the 1793 Fugitive Slave Act. This case brought national attention to the abolitionist cause and highlighted the injustices of slavery. Garrett used the trial as a platform to speak out against slavery, further galvanizing the abolitionist movement.

Judge Roger Taney, who later presided over the Dred Scott decision, ruled against him, and Garrett lost his wealth paying fines. Despite this, Garrett successfully obtained a writ of habeas corpus for the Hawkins family, arguing that they were being held unlawfully. This legal maneuver, supported by Judge James Booth, led to the release and eventual escape of the Hawkins family to freedom, showcasing Garrett's commitment to using legal means to fight slavery.

Undeterred by his financial losses, Garrett continued his abolitionist work, ultimately helping more than 2,700 enslaved people escape to freedom.

Maria W. Stewart, born in Hartford, Connecticut, became a formidable advocate against slavery and an early champion for Black economic advancement and women's rights. After losing her parents at a young age, Stewart's determination saw her rise from servitude to prominence as the first Black American woman to write and publish a political manifesto. Titled “Religion and the Pure Principle of Morality,” her manifesto urged African Americans to unite against Southern slavery and fight against Northern racial injustices.

Stewart was also among the first women in the United States to speak publicly, with her speeches and writings between 1831 and 1833 calling for Black resistance to slavery and highlighting the critical need for education and political rights for Black individuals, especially women. After relocating from Boston in 1834, Stewart moved to New York, where she joined the “Ladies Literary Society,” a Black female literary group, and began teaching. Listening to the stories of African American women's abuses deepened her awareness of the widespread inequality all women faced. This awareness came to a head in 1837 when Manhattan's white female abolitionists prepared to host the first women's antislavery convention but excluded Black women, including the Ladies Literary Society, from participating.

Later, Stewart lived in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., working as a Matron at the Freedmen’s Hospital. In her later years, she used a pension from her late husband's military service to publish a new edition of her works. Stewart's activism and ideas had a significant impact on prominent figures in the abolitionist and women's rights movements, such as Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Her pioneering efforts in public speaking and advocacy paved the way for future generations of activists.

Known as "General Tubman" and the "Moses of her people," Harriet Tubman made about 13 trips and personally guided approximately 70 enslaved individuals to freedom. Additionally, she provided instructions and assistance to many others, which helped another 60 to 70 people escape slavery via the Underground Railroad.

During the American Civil War, Tubman served as a spy, scout, and nurse for the Union Army. She provided invaluable intelligence to Union forces and led an armed expedition in the Combahee River Raid, which resulted in the liberation of more than 700 slaves. Despite a speech impediment, Tubman's activism and bravery earned her a legendary status in the fight against slavery.

Tubman collaborated with other prominent figures like Susan B. Anthony, using her voice and experiences to promote gender equality and women's voting rights. Her advocacy extended her legacy as a champion of both racial and gender justice.

Born on October 9, 1823, in Wilmington, Delaware, Mary Ann Shadd was the eldest of 13 children in a free Black family of active abolitionists who used their home as a station on the Underground Railroad.

Educated in Pennsylvania due to Delaware's segregated schools, Shadd moved to Canada after the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, where she established a racially integrated school in Windsor, Ontario. In 1853, she became the first Black woman in North America to publish a newspaper, "The Provincial Freeman," advocating for abolition, civil rights, and education.

A vocal supporter of the Union during the Civil War, Shadd later returned to the U.S. to continue her activism, and in 1883, at age 60, she became one of the first Black women to earn a law degree from Howard University. Shadd died in Washington, D.C., and her home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was one of the first African American women to publish poetry and fiction. Her literary works often addressed themes of race, gender, and social justice, making her a pioneering figure in African American literature.

Her powerful speeches and publications, like "Education and the Elevation of the Colored Race," garnered widespread attention and support, cementing her role as a leading voice in the abolitionist and women's rights movements.

She used her writing and oratory skills to speak out against slavery and inequality, advocating for the rights of both African Americans and women. Harper was also involved in various social reform movements, including temperance and education.

She was also actively involved in the Underground Railroad, assisting enslaved individuals in their escape to freedom. She risked her own safety to help others gain their freedom, embodying her commitment to the abolitionist cause through direct action.

Ellen Craft, along with her husband William Craft, orchestrated one of the most daring and ingenious escapes from slavery in American history. In 1848, Ellen, who was fair-skinned and could pass as white, disguised herself as a white man while William posed as her slave. They traveled openly by train and steamboat from Georgia to Philadelphia, successfully reaching freedom in the North.

Ellen Craft, along with her husband William, published their memoir titled "Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom; Or, The Escape of William and Ellen Craft from Slavery" in 1860. This gripping narrative detailed their remarkable escape from slavery and gained widespread attention, contributing to the abolitionist cause and exposing the horrors of slavery to a wider audience.

After gaining their freedom, Ellen and William Craft became prominent abolitionists and educators. They traveled extensively, sharing their story and advocating for the abolition of slavery. They also opened an agricultural school for freedman's children in Georgia, demonstrating their commitment to uplifting their community and advancing the cause of education for African Americans.

Hannah Crafts wrote "The Bondwoman's Narrative," which is believed to be the only known novel by an enslaved woman. Completed around 1857, the novel recounts the experiences of a young mixed-race woman slave who escapes to the North and gains freedom. It provides valuable insights into the life of a slave and offers a unique perspective on the institution of slavery in the United States.

Hannah Crafts escaped from slavery in North Carolina around 1857 by disguising herself as a white man. She reached freedom in the North, where she lived for a time with a couple named Crafts, from whom she adopted her pseudonym. Her escape and subsequent freedom highlight her bravery and determination to seek a better life despite the risks and challenges she faced.

The manuscript of "The Bondwoman's Narrative" was discovered in a New Jersey attic in 2001 and was purchased at auction by Henry Louis Gates Jr., a professor of African-American literature and culture at Harvard University. After being authenticated, the novel was published in 2002, shedding light on the life and experiences of an enslaved woman and adding to our understanding of African American literature and history.