As
the Revolutonary War drew to a close, a black slave known as Mum Bett
summoned the courage to take her owner to court in a bid for her
freedom. She succeeded--becoming one of the first slaves to gain her
freedom through the courts.
Though
slavery in the New England town in which she lived had been legal for
more than 100 years, Mum Bett sought help from Theodore Sedgwick, an
ambitous 33 year old attorney who agreed to take her case. Their quiet
success set in motion a sequence of events that would topple an
established way of life.
As
a free woman Mum Bett would protect Sedgwick's family during the Shays'
Rebellion, a test of civil authority that shook a fragile government to
its roots. She also became a second mother to Sedgwick's children, as
he pursued a career in Congress, and his wife Pamela experienced the
anguish of mental depression.
As
we search for insight into those who planted the first seeds of
abolition, Mum Bett's courage and conviction act as an inspiration, and
a reminder of the tremendous strength required to uproot American
slavery.
For additional information on Mother of Freedom, please visit www.benzrosewriter.com
Ben Z. Rose preserves the legacy of Mum Bett, as she is best known, and adds to
it with a fascinating context in which to measure her achievement. Only with
diligent probing such as this can the larger picture of
America's past come to
life."
--Bernard A. Drew, distinguished
Berkshire
County author and
historian.
"Mum Bett's quick wit, passion for life, and dedication to doing what's
right shine through in the vivid anecdotes Rose shares...a great companion book
for students in U.S. history courses, and a marvelous addition to any amateur or
professional historian's private collection. Women's groups will greatly benefit
from learning the story of this courageous American whom little is known
about."
--Graciela Sholander in
Bookreviewers.org
"Highly recommended to those interested in slavery, African American
biography, and early American history."
--Brother Benet Exton, in Curledupwithagoodbook.com
"Telling the
true story of this remarkable woman, "Mother of Freedom" is well worth the
look."
---James Cox in
the
Midwest
Book Review