Fort Mose: And the Story of the Man Who Built the First Free Black Settlement in Colonial America

Dive into the remarkable narrative of "Fort Mose: And the Story of the Man Who Built the First Free Black Settlement in Colonial America," where resilience and hope forge a new community against the backdrop of colonial America. Published on September 1, 2010, this compelling story traces the daring escape of Francisco Menendez from slavery in South Carolina to his pivotal role in establishing Fort Mose in Florida, the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in America. Through Menendez's leadership, this unique community not only blended African, Spanish, Native American, and English cultures but also became a beacon of freedom that predated the Underground Railroad. Ideal for elementary school readers, this book offers a profound look at racial justice and indigenous rights, highlighting how diverse cultural contributions can create a resilient community in the face of adversity. Engage with the past to inspire a vision of social justice and unity.