Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People

In April 1852, I left Barrier's land in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. Few of us could write, but I was one of them. I had a new name ready and a pen to forge my own path. Barrier searched two states. I was already gone. My name was MORRIS. #blackhistory #slavery #NC

In April 1852, I walked off Merritt's plantation on Blossom Hill Road, 16 miles from Shreveport, LA. My right hand still carried the scars from his cotton gin. Merritt advertised across state lines into Texas. I had given enough. My name was GREEN. #slavery #LA #blackhistory

In April 1852, I was jailed in Hunt County, Texas. I am a minister of the gospel and a house carpenter. I traveled 130 miles well-dressed for my mission to be free. The state recorded my trades but left my name in the silence. My name is mine alone. #blackhistory #TX

In April 1852, I left Kirkey's house on West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD. I was 18, bound to him by papers I never signed for myself. I walked to the harbor and looked for work on a vessel. The water was my way out. My name was WILLIAM H. KING. #slavery #MD #BlackHistory

In April 1852, I departed Kent's Rosemount plantation in Bladensburg, MD. I was 60 years old and had spent a lifetime on that land. The Kent family had power and money. I had a gray suit and a black hat. It was enough. My name was LEN BROWN. #slavery #blackhistory #MD

In January 1852, I left Nathan King in Cumberland Co., NC. King hired me from a dead man's estate like I was a tool for rent. They called me a “runaway,” but I was just a husband going home to my wife in Fayetteville. My name was MIKE. #slavery #BlackHistory #NC

In March 1852, I left Turner's land in Granville Co., NC. My right ankle bends outward, causing me to walk with a hop. They thought that would stop me. I am moving toward a new identity where I am no longer "property," but a free man. My name was WASHINGTON. #NC #slavery

In March 1852, I left Bryan's estate in Fayetteville, NC. I didn't run for the border yet. Instead, I stayed close to the familiar place, remaining near the community I know. I am still walking these streets but a step closer to freedom. My name was CHARLES. #slavery #NC

In March 1852, I left Clark's house in Baltimore, Maryland. I was 19. I had two directions. I may be heading north to Pennsylvania and freedom. Or south to Winchester, Virginia, where my parents were. Only I knew which way I went. My name was LEWIS EUSTACE. #blackhistory #MD

In February 1852, I was captured in Lavaca County, Texas. I fled James Hansbury's estate near Richmond on the Brazos. I made it 100 miles before they caught me. Now, my journey is stalled behind iron bars in the Hallettsville jail. My name was JOHN. #TX #blackhistory #slavery

On the night of Feb. 26, 1852, I left Thornton's property in Oglethorpe County, GA. John Woods brought the horse. I brought a silk dress, fine clothes, and a disguise. I could pass as a boy. Thornton called it theft, but we called it freedom. My name was DILCEY ANN. #slavery #GA

In March 1852, I fled from Chew's Epsom Estate near Towsontown, Maryland. Worn clothes, old cap, nothing else. Chew offered twice the reward if I reached Pennsylvania. I am young and my shoes are thin, but I am heading for the border. My name was JOHN. #MD #slavery #blackhistory

In March 1852, April and I walked away from Robbins' property in Smithville, NC. We were from South Carolina, brought north and sold. We left together, the same way we arrived. My name was MARCH. #slavery #blackhistory #NC

On March 17, 1852, I walked off Bealmeare's Bright Seat estate in Maryland. I packed everything I owned including a heavy kersey for the cold and summer clothes. I am moving toward the state line for a chance at freedom. I am 25. My name was MOSES HALL. #blackhistory #slavery #MD

When several months had passed and no owner claimed a person, the state didn't set them free. Instead, they were sold at a public auction to cover the "jail fees" (food/lodging) accumulated during their imprisonment. #blackhistory #slavery

In Sept 1851, I was caught in Georgetown, Texas. For six months, I’ve sat in the county jail but no one has come for me. Now, the Sheriff is selling me at the courthouse door to settle the debt of my own imprisonment. My name was TOM #slavery #blackhistory #TX

In March 1852, Harry and I walked 90 miles from Hays' property in Marion District, SC to Wilmington, NC. We knew what that port meant. Ships leading us to freedom. They caught us before we got there. My name was TOM. #slavery #NC #SC #blackhistory

In the 1850s, enslaved people had no legal surnames. The act of choosing one said everything: I am a person, not a possession.

In March 1852, I walked away from Gardiner's farm in Piscataway, Prince George's County, Maryland. They called me Thomas, but I have reclaimed my own name and I will be known by it. My name was THOMAS WHEALER. #slavery #MD #blackhistory

In March 1852, I left E.R. Petherbridge of Baltimore, MD. I am now navigating the streets on my own terms, hidden within a city of thousands of free people. Petherbridge warns the public not to harbor me, but I am already gone. My name was JOHN JOHNSON. #blackhistory #MD