From The Darkness Cometh The Light: Struggles For Freedom

by Lucy Ann Delaney

In the year 18—, Mr. and Mrs. John Woods and Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Posey lived as one family in the State of Illinois. Living with Mrs. Posey was a little negro girl, named Polly Crocket, who had made it her home there, in peace and happiness, for five years. On a dismal night in the month of September, Polly, with four other colored persons, were kidnapped, and, after being securely bound and gagged, were put into a skiff and carried across the Mississippi River to the city of St. Louis. Shortly after, these unfortunate negroes were taken up the Missouri River and sold into slavery. Polly was purchased by a farmer, Thomas Botts, with whom she resided for a year, when, overtaken by business reverses, he was obliged to sell all he possessed, including his negroes.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Biography, Audiobook, Historical

26 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1891

About the author

Lucy Ann Delaney, born Lucy Berry (c. 1830 – after 1891), was an African-American author, former slave, and activist, notable for her 1891 narrative From the Darkness Cometh the Light, or, Struggles for Freedom. This is the only first-person account of a "freedom suit" and one of the few post-Emancipation published slave narratives.

Reviews

[John P.]

A perfect book for teachers who want to explore the world of slavery in pre-Civil War Missouri. It is a shorter version on the same topics as Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northrup. It revisits a life of Polly Crockett a free person of color living in Illinois in the 1830s kidnapped and take to Missouri and sold into bondage. Living in Franklin County, Polly marries and has two daughters Nancy and Lucy. In later years, friends of Lucy encourage her to write her story of families trials and tribulations in slavery. It is a story of injustice, slave-catchers, escapes to freedom, Missouri freedom suits, and damage to the family structure. This is a perfect book for a Socratic session because it is free and short enough to arouse emotion and a deep conversation on the institution of slavery.

[Susan Mcleod]

Short tale of one young girl, born under slavery, but freed by a court. She spent decades trying to uplift other former slaves, but her tale still underscores how many roadblocks America has put up to keep African Americans from enjoying the full fruits of their labor and their lives.

[Riana Elizabeth]

If you get a chance, find the audio book version narrated by Sisi Aisha Johnson. She does a character reading that will fully draw you in.

[G L]

A book everyone should read. It is said to be the only first-person account of a freedom suit (i.e., a lawsuit filed by an enslaved person asserting a claim to freedom).

Anything else I can think to say about the book itself seems to detract from the extraordinary experiences of the author, so all I will say is, read it. It is brief, and this audio version is well done. It will richly reward your time and attention.

[Judibea]

Available on Hoopla and short of two hours of listening to the story of L.Delaney life from slavery to freedom.

[Dee Dee G]

I listened to the audiobook, but probably should’ve read the book instead.

[Paul]

A very short book that gives a glimpse into slavery in America. The author's mother, a free black woman, was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Most of the book tells the story of how she and her two daughters (including the author) eventually won their freedom.

[Brannon Shortt]

Right not Might will triumph.

[Hyacinth]

Hearing the narratives of the enslaved and what some were called to do for the advancement and freedom of our people makes me proud. It cost them much for the right for us to walk free.

[Bright]

I enjoyed this book. She writes in a simple direct fashion which I enjoy. Some of the word choice and syntax stood out due to the era in which she was writing. This is part of the charm for me.
She has a faith in God that is evidenced in trials and made her stronger.

[Adam]

Very short account of a few different slaves' experiences leading to their freedom. Written with a lot of spirit and drive for African Americans and their coming potential in the country from back then.

[Carol Oldham]

A short book written by a slave. The reader is given in sight.

[Cathy]

First person account of one girl’s life as a slave and her question for freedom. Short and interesting. Important piece of history.

[Sara Clorite]

I’m giving 3 stars because it didn’t give me enough. The dates and locations are important, sure. But I want to know the people and their stories. My whiteness is blinding though, so I’ll just 🤐