Apr 6, 2023

April 6: New York Slave Revolt & American Chattel Brutalism



On April 6, 1712,  in New York City, an uprising of 23 enslaved Africans set fire to a building and when colonists tried to put out the fire the slaves, armed with guns and hatchets attacked them, killing nine and injuring six more. 70 slaves were arrested, 27 were put on trial, and 21 convicted and executed. Laws were enacted making it illegal for slaves to carry guns or congregate in groups of 3 or more.