WHY THE STONO REBELLION MATTERED

On this day, 9th September, 285 years ago, one of the largest slave rebellions ever to take place in the Americas began near the Stono River, 30 km southwest of Charleston, South Carolina. About 60 slaves, who were likely from the Central African kingdom of the Kongo, began marching south towards the Spanish-ruled state of Florida, where fugitive slaves were being granted freedom and land. The colonist community set out in armed pursuit of the slaves. In the ensuing battles, 25 colonists and over 35 rebels were killed. Survivors were later captured and executed. Our man Salifu brings you this story of resistance and the fight for freedom from the heart of the Stono River in Charleston, South Carolina.