Gabriel Prosser's Rebellion - August 30, 1800

As Black August comes to a close, it is important to acknowledge another freedom fighter.

Two hundred and ten years ago, Gabriel "Prosser" planned to lead a slave rebellion in Virginina. Before his plans could be executed, two bootlicking, Uncle Tom traitors went and told. The Virginina governor ordered the militia after Gabriel, who fled. He was later found after another slave told on him for the reward.

That traitor never received the full reward. (Did they really think they would?)

One of many slave revolts in North America, Prosser's rebellion was inspired by the Haitian Revoltion. I once read that Prosser believe that Haiti would have fleets waiting off the coast to assist in the freedom struggle.

As a result of of the rebellion, over the next decade, new laws restricting movement of Blacks off of plantations and banning free Blacks in the state were implemented.

Gabriel was a true hero.

"Prosser's Gabriel" folk song by Tim Barry

A resolution remember the "execution of the patriot and freedom fighter, Gabriel, whose death stands as a symbol for the determination and struggle of slaves to obtain freedom, justice and equality as promised by the fundamental principles of democratic governments of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America," was passed by the Richmond, VA City Council in 2002.

In 2007, Prosser was pardoned by Virginia's governor.

It is interesting to note, that some historians argue that Gabriel's last name was not Prosser. Gabriel was referred to, according to historian Douglas Egerton in his book, Gabriel's Rebellion: The Virginia Slave Conspiracies of 1800 & 1802, as Prosser's Gabriel.

Gabriel was caught September 25 and executed on October 6. Rest in Power, our beautiful Angel Gabriel.

In honor of Gabriel, here is my 2006 Remix to "Tell me when to go." The song is called, "When did we Become (Dumb)?" but is more commonly known as "Free-Dumb (Freedumb)."

Reggie General-"When did we become"

Five Eighty | MySpace Music Videos

This week, what are you doing to advance the freedom struggle?

Photo Credit: BlackPast.org

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