Trey’s Table Episode 250: The Petition of “Ned” Griffin
The Courage of Ned Griffin: A Revolutionary Fight for Freedom
In the midst of the American Revolution, Ned Griffin, an enslaved man from North Carolina, made a bold choice: he agreed to fight in the war in exchange for his freedom. His enslaver, William Kitchen, promised him emancipation if he served as a substitute in the Continental Army. Ned fought bravely in battles like Guilford Courthouse, but when he returned, Kitchen betrayed him, selling him to another enslaver.
Refusing to accept this injustice, Ned petitioned the North Carolina legislature in 1784. His petition detailed his service and the broken promise of freedom. The General Assembly listened, passing an act to emancipate him, declaring him “forever delivered and discharged from the yoke of slavery.”
Ned’s story is one of resilience and determination. After gaining his freedom, he lived as a free man of color, purchased land, and built a life for himself. His fight reminds us that the struggle for freedom and equality has deep roots in American history.
Ned Griffin’s legacy is a testament to the courage of those who dared to challenge the system and demand their rights. His story is not just history—it’s inspiration.
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