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A Slave Who Sued for Freedom

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May 1, 2018

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In November 1815, a woman known only as Anna jumped from the third-floor window of a tavern in Washington, D.C. The 24-year-old had just been sold for $5 by Georgia slave traders and separated from her husband and four children. Though she broke her back, Anna survived. The story was reported widely at the time; in many instances, it was used as fodder for the abolitionist movement. But following the incident, history lost track of Anna.

Thirteen years later, a slave named Ann Williams filed a petition for her freedomand won. It turned out to be Anna. But for 200 years, no one knew that she had sued for her freedom. Read more

"Anna" was directed and animated by Michael Burton. It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic. For more information on the film, go here

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A Slave Who Sued for Freedom · The Atlantic · Sentinel