From the Darkness Cometh Light

by Lucy Ann Delaney

From the Darkness Cometh the Light (1891) is a memoir by Lucy A. Delaney. Published in St. Louis in the last year of Delaney’s life, the work is regarded as an essential slave narrative and the only firsthand account of a freedom suit, by which some enslaved African Americans were able to achieve their freedom prior to emancipation. Twentieth century scholars of feminism and African American literature in particular have upheld her work and continue to celebrate her influence on the historical and cultural development of the nation. “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.” Tracing her mother’s life back to this tragic event, Lucy A. Delaney tells a story of enslavement, hardship, and perseverance, the story of her family’s struggle for freedom. As a young woman, Polly brought two lawsuits to court in St. Louis in the hopes of freeing herself and her daughter from slavery. Following their historic victory, mother and daughter remained together as Lucy attempted to start a family of her own. Despite losing her first husband and several children from her second marriage, Lucy remained dedicated to serving God and her community as a leader in her church and president of several organizations for the empowerment of African American women. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Lucy Delaney’s From the Darkness Cometh the Light is a classic of African American literature reimagined for modern readers.

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

32 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. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Dee Dee G · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right not Might will triumph.

[Hyacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 🤐