Lawsuits and litigation
1734: Sarah Chauqum: Native American woman wins reparations
1739-1740: Native Americans use courts to win freedom
1746: Lucy Terry Prince: Resilient poet, storyteller
1762: Jenny Slew: Among first to win a freedom suit
1772: Landmark ruling frees enslaved African in England
1773-1779: Black freedom petitions: "For the sake of justice, humanity"
1775: First American abolition society founded
1777: Juno Larcom: Wins freedom after 46 years
1779: Pompey Brakkee: Wins compensation from Vermont enslaver
1781-1783: Massachusetts freedom suits are turning point
1810: David Ruggles: Marshals support for freedom seekers
1833: Native leader designates "Days of Mourning" to mark colonists' arrival
1833: Emiliano Mundrucu challenges racism in court
1836: Abolitionist women gain freedom for enslaved girl
1836: Black women free two who fled bondage
1841: First history of Black people in U.S. published
1854: Wisconsin activists help escapees, challenge Fugitive Slave Act
1857: Supreme Court: Black Americans have no rights
