The situations regarding slavery in New York and Pennsylvania were drastically different from those in the southern states due to varying attitudes. Thus, the former’s relationship to this institution was guided by humanity towards the slaves and the development of legal methods of improving their lives that did not exist in the latter case. According to Dunbar, one of the main measures of this nature was the adoption of “the gradual abolition law” (64). It allowed the representatives of these population groups to claim their freedom after six months of servitude (Dunbar 63). In turn, Pennsylvania’s views on the matter were even more critical due to the activity of religious organizations, such as the Society of Friends (Dunbar 65). Consequently, this state’s laws were more favorable for the slaves compared to those of New York as they had more chances for freedom regardless of age. The information concerning the differences between a northern and a southern state changes my views by highlighting varying attitudes towards benefits for the affected persons. In the former case, they were linked to independence, whereas in the latter situation, care for the slaves was vital.
The plan developed by Washington for circumventing the anti-slavery legislation adopted in Philadelphia was related to the attempts to avoid keeping slaves in one place for over six months. In this situation, they could have had a right to claim their freedom by referring to the new laws, which were critical for the family due to their financial hardships (Dunbar 63). This decision seems dubious from the perspective of humanity towards the black population of the time and certainly changes my opinion of the first president of the United States. In this case, he seems to be a person who cares about his own interests in the first place. Even though Washington claims that “protecting his human property” is necessary for addressing the interests of his slaves, the proof that his main motivation was his personal situation modifies the perception of his decisions (Dunbar 67). It is clear that he might genuinely be concerned about the well-being of these people; however, this circumstance does not change the fact that he appears to be more selfish than expected.
The free black leaders significant for the overall movement for claiming their rights were Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, and their importance is conditional upon the organization of efforts for eliminating racial injustice. They were the founders of the Free African Society in Philadelphia intended to be “the first black mutual aid society” for assisting those in need due to different life circumstances (Dunbar 77). Meanwhile, these former slaves also played a critical role in encouraging their peers to participate in societal affairs in order to prove their worth to the white population (Dunbar 83). These people might have influenced Ona Judge by showing her the possibilities of living as a free person in the northern states, which was especially vital after she lost most of her relatives (Dunbar 85; 86). They have also affected her mental and emotional mindset by highlighting the benefits she might have had, such as marriage. If she did not meet these leaders, her life might have been spent in servitude out of fear of further complications, which were especially typical for free black women in terms of their labor conditions.
Work Cited
Dunbar, Erica Armstrong. Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge. 37 Ink, 2017.