The African American Search for Freedom in 1850's St. Louis

STUDENT DIRECTIONS

In this activity you will simulate the experience of an African American slave who has recently been moved to St. Louis during the year 1850. St. Louis is a city in a slave state. Your master has hired you out to a local businessman so you have some freedom to move through the city. Your goal is to design a strategy whereby you can gain your freedom.

As you wander through the city you need to accomplish the following tasks. Be sure to make extensive notes about what you learn.

  1. Determine the composition of the African American community in St. Louis (look at demographic information on the decade's main page). How might the nature of St. Louis' African American community help or hinder your efforts? Why?
  2. Find at least one institution or organization you can join to help you in your search for freedom. How can this institution help you?
  3. Find at least three people who can help you in your quest for freedom. Identify who they are, how you might meet them, and explain how they could help you.
  4. Find out if the legal system in St. Louis might be able to help you. Explain the opportunities and/or obstacles presented by St. Louis' legal
    system.
  5. Write at least two plans for obtaining your freedom. Your plans should have a realistic chance for success. Your plans should include the following elements:
    • Your basic idea, what will you and how will you do it. Be as specific as possible, including the people and places that are most important in you achieving your freedom.
    • Examples of other African Americans who have used a similar strategy to gain their freedom.
    • An assessment of the risk involved. What is your chance at success? What will happen to you if you fail?
    • An estimate of how long it will take you to achieve your freedom if you pursue this strategy.
  6. Once you have written two plans, chose the best plan as "Plan A" and the second plan as "Plan B." You will present your "Plan A" in class.