Thread by @ArmedVideos

@HotepWithit The first LEGAL slave owner in the United Colonies/United States was an indentured servant, Anthony Johnson, whom gained his freedom, then sued to be able to keep his servant, John Casor, as a slave for life. (1)

smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/hor…

@HotepWithit Anthony argued that because he was black, he shouldn't have to follow English common law that outlawed the practice of slavery. He won and set precadence and within a couple decades slavery was widespread and practiced by all: white, black and Native. (2)
books.google.com/books?id=BEd85…

@HotepWithit Prior to this, slavery was illegal in N. America & only practiced by the Natives whom utilized their sovereignty to do so. Centuries later, it took treaties, like the Treaty of Point Elliott, to get natives, like Chief Seattle, to free their slaves. (3)
goia.wa.gov/tribal-governm…