Three formerly enslaved Black men were living their California Gold Rush dream, building a lucrative mining supply business in just a few months. But one cool spring night in 1852, an armed posse of white men burst into their cabin and arrested them, claiming they were fugitive slaves.

In our pilot episode, we explore a little-known California law that unleashed racial terror on Black people and made a mockery of the state constitution’s ban on slavery.

Produced by the ACLU of Northern California. 

Episode created, written and hosted by Tammerlin Drummond. 

Technical production and music by Dax Brooks, co-written by Alex Doty.

California Fugitive Slave Law

A conversation with Abdi Soltani, Executive Director of the ACLU of Northern California, about the legacy of abolitionists like Frederick Douglass and the enduring protection of the constitutional amendments they inspired.

The Constitutional Legacy of Frederick Douglass

We're the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. We like justice, freedom, equality, and short walks on the beach. Followed by more justice.

California Fugitive Slave Law

ACLU of Northern CA

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