Black Activism

Knowing the history of African Americans in Salem is central to understanding all aspects of life in the city from the seventeenth century up to now. During every moment of Salem’s history, Black residents have resisted the violence, discrimination, and oppression that impacted their lives. This resistance took a variety of forms including fighting against inequities.

Duration:

5 minutes, 37 seconds

How did different groups of people shape the American Revolution and events leading up to it? This film uses primary source documents to explore the stories of two men - a Salem colonist, Richard Derby, and an enslaved man, Obed.

Salem's African Society

NPS Photo / Maryann Zujewski / Courtesy of the Museum of Printing

The newspaper advertisement to the left was chosen as the thumbnail image for this section on "Slavery and Freedom" to highlight Black activism. Sabe Derby was part of the first generation of freed Black people in Salem and a member of an early Black benevolent society - the Sons of the African Society. The society brought members of the free Black community together with the mission of supporting one another during the challenging transition from slavery to freedom.