February 19th 2024.
The descendants of Dred and Harriet Scott, the famous couple who fought against the unjust Dred Scott Decision, are now taking their ancestors' legacy on the road. Through a traveling exhibit, they hope to bring greater awareness to the fight for freedom that their family bravely stood for. And what better place to start than at the St. Louis County Black history event, where visitors can learn more about the infamous lawsuit that solidified slavery as an institution in the United States.
As reported by KSDK, Lynn Jackson, the great-great-granddaughter of the Scotts, has taken it upon herself to shed new light on her family's historical battle through this exhibit. Her mission is to ensure that everyone knows the story of the man and his wife who courageously fought for the citizenship that they believed was rightfully theirs as Americans. Sadly, their efforts were met with a notorious judgment in the 19th century court case that greatly impacted the Black community.
While the Dred Scott decision is often taught in Black history lessons as a pivotal event in the fight against slavery, Jackson realized that many people are not aware of the specific details of her ancestors' struggle. In the 1857 Supreme Court case of Dred Scott v. Sandford, the Scotts sued for their own emancipation, as well as that of their two daughters. They argued that their enslavement was unlawful because they had previously lived in a state where slavery was banned, making them free under the Constitution.
However, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled against their plea, stating that Black people were not entitled to the same rights and citizenship as white Americans. This decision is now widely regarded as one of the worst in the history of the Supreme Court and a major setback in the fight against slavery in the United States.
Despite this heartbreaking defeat, the courage and determination of the Scotts in their quest for freedom remains relevant not just in Black history, but in American history as a whole. Jackson passionately shares her family's story with attendees at the St. Louis event, emphasizing the significance of the Dred Scott Decision in the larger mission of abolishing slavery.
In her words, "The 13th Amendment ended slavery. The 14th gave citizenship to all born in the United States, and the 15th gave Black men the right to vote." She points out that the Dred Scott Decision was another legal battle that played a crucial role in this ongoing fight for justice. And through her exhibit, Jackson will continue to shed light on the powerful and inspiring journey of her family, encouraging others to learn about this monumental piece of history.
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