Force and Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence (America in the Nineteenth Century)

"Force and Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence (America in the Nineteenth Century)" by Kellie Carter Jackson dives deep into a pivotal yet often overlooked aspect of American history. Published on August 14, 2020, this compelling work shifts the focus from the traditional, nonviolent narratives of the abolitionist movement to the critical and forceful roles played by black abolitionists in the antebellum period. Jackson masterfully illustrates how, faced with escalating oppression and the ineffectiveness of peaceful protest, these leaders adopted violence as a strategic tool to jolt the nation towards the realities of slavery and ultimately lay the groundwork for the Civil War. By exploring their speeches, press engagements, and formation of militia groups, Jackson not only recounts history but invokes a reflection on the moral complexities of using violence in the fight for justice. Ideal for high school students studying racial justice, this book challenges readers to consider how different forms of resistance are necessitated by the circumstances and severity of injustice.