First American Slaves Were Angolans
The arrival of the first African slaves to the American continent in 1619 is a significant moment in the history of the United States of America (USA), but what few people know is that these first slaves originated in Angola.
That is why today, August 23, International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition, we bring here the story of these men and women who, due to the wars between the kingdoms of Congo, Ndongo and Matamba, were torn from their lands, captured and sold as slaves in African markets, to be resold in Europe.
These early Angolans, due to the ship they were on being boarded by English and Dutch privateers, became unwitting participants in the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade , thus initiating a cycle of violence that would culminate in their forced arrival in North America, at the hands of their future owners.
His narrative of suffering and resistance shows how the African diaspora, and particularly the Angolan diaspora, impacted the history of the North American continent. Through their hard work, they contributed to the economic development of the colonies, playing a crucial role in building the cultural and social foundations of the country that is now the United States.
From the founding of New York to its influence on music, religion, and other cultural expressions, the Angolan presence has left an indelible mark on American identity.
Over the centuries, Angolans who arrived in America as slaves became an essential part of the country's history. From indentured servants to free farmers, such as the legendary Antony Johnson, these individuals overcame extreme adversity to reclaim their freedom and, in many cases, to leave a legacy that is still recognized today.
This lesser-known facet of American history shows that these Angolan slaves were not only victims of an era of oppression, but also key players in building a new nation and a new society.
The First Angolans in America
In late August 1619, a Dutch and English privateer ship named the White Lion docked in the British colony of Virginia, at a place then known as Point Comfort, now Fort Monroe.
On board were just over 20 Angolan slaves, victims of a cycle of violence and terror that marked the beginning of a tragedy that would shape US history.
These men and women, originally from the kingdoms of Congo and Ndongo, had been captured by Imbangala warriors from the kingdom of Matamba, ruled by Queen Nzinga Mabandi , and sold to Portuguese traffickers who, in turn, sent them to the slave markets of the Spanish city of Seville.
Their final destination was the port of Vera Cruz, in the colony of New Spain, present-day Mexico, but the course of events led them to set foot on North American soil, inaugurating a historic connection between Angola and the United States that would last for centuries.
The Arrival at New World
The Angolans arrived in the New World at a time when slavery was not yet formally established in the Virginia colony, and were instead classified as "indentured servants." This temporary status theoretically granted them the possibility of freedom after a period of forced labor.
However, the reality of their situation was far from promising and many ended up remaining imprisoned, being treated as property of the European colonists.
This process of "enslavement" unfolded in a complex interweaving of social, political, and economic relations that culminated in the institutionalization of slavery and the development of a North American society profoundly marked by racism.
The story of these first Angolans to set foot on North American soil is, therefore, a reflection of the brutality of a system that treated them as merchandise, but which demonstrated the resilience and determination of a people who, even in the most adverse circumstances, found ways to assert themselves and leave a lasting legacy.
The figures of these early Africans, often reduced to generic names in historical records, such as António and Isabela, symbolize the presence and resilience of a people whose roots have been intertwined with North American history since its beginnings.
Through their stories, we understand the depth and complexity of the relationships that developed between Africa and the Americas and how the Angolan experience was central to the formation of communities of African-Americans who would go on to play fundamental roles in US history.
From the birth of the first American of African descent to the emergence of free Black communities, Angolans in America have written a significant and sometimes forgotten chapter in the narrative of slavery and American nation-building.
The White Lion Ship
The White Lion, a privateer with a mixed English and Dutch crew, played a crucial role in the arrival of the first Africans in North America.
This ship intercepted the São João Batista, a Portuguese slave ship carrying 350 Angolan slaves destined for the Vera Cruz market. After a confrontation in the Gulf of Mexico, the White Lion, under the command of Dutchman Colyn Jope, managed to capture a significant portion of the São João Batista's "human cargo."
Among these Angolans were the first Africans to be brought to the English colony of Virginia, at a time when slavery was not yet officially regulated in the British colonies of North America.
The First Slaves
These first slaves arrived on the American continent at a time of great uncertainty and transformation. The colony of Virginia, founded in 1607, was still consolidating, and labor for the burgeoning tobacco plantations was scarce.
Thus, the colonists saw Africans as a solution to their labor needs, even if they were initially treated as "indentured servants." The reality, however, was that these Angolans had no choice; they were torn from their lands, separated from their families, and forced to work in inhumane conditions, often without any hope of freedom.
Among the Angolans who arrived on the White Lion, one name that stands out is António. This name appears in several records from the period, causing confusion among historians about each individual's specific identity.
However, it is certain that many of the first Africans in Virginia shared this name, which can be seen as an attempt to depersonalize them, reducing them to mere inventory. Over the years, the stories of these individuals have been recovered and reinterpreted, with António emerging as a central figure in the history of the African presence in the United States.
Another notable figure who landed in Virginia was John Pedro, also of Angolan origin, who is thought to have been freed in the 1650s. John Pedro, likely from the Kingdom of Congo, managed to establish himself as a farmer, owning land in Lancaster, Virginia, before moving to what is now the state of Maryland.
His story is emblematic of the resilience and adaptability of Angolans in America who, even in the face of crushing oppression, managed to build lasting lives and legacies.
The Antonios
Colonial records from Virginia indicate that several Angolans were baptized with the name António, a common name at the time, which complicated the individual identification of these figures in history. This practice of giving Christian and European names to African slaves was part of a strategy of assimilation and depersonalization, stripping them of their original identity.
However, these Antónios, alongside other figures such as Isabel and Ângela, were the first Africans to set foot on Virginia soil, leaving an indelible mark on the history of that colony and, by extension, the United States.
The presence of these first Angolans in Virginia was not just an isolated episode, it was the beginning of a process that would last for centuries and in which millions of Africans would be brought to the Americas as slaves.
Being "indentured servants" initially offered them, in theory, a chance for freedom, but the reality was often different. Many of these Angolans found themselves trapped in a system that quickly evolved into brutal hereditary slavery, in which their descendants would also be enslaved.
Antony Johnson
However, despite the harsh conditions, some Angolans managed to achieve freedom and even prosper. One of the most notable examples is Antony Johnson, who, after serving his term of servitude, managed to establish himself as a successful farmer in the colony of Maryland.
Johnson is an emblematic figure in the history of African descendants, being one of the first Black people to own land and servants in North America. This fact highlights the complexity of race relations in the English colonies, where, initially, some Black people achieved a measure of economic success before slavery became the dominant system.
Antony Johnson's story stands out for its success, but also for the tragic turn of events that accompanied it. After his death, his property was confiscated by colonial authorities and given to a white settler, arguing that, due to his race, Johnson was "not a citizen of the colony."
This incident is an early example of the institutional racism that developed in the North American colonies and that would justify large-scale slavery and racial segregation for centuries.
However, Antony Johnson's story showed that although some Africans had the opportunity to improve their social position, racial and economic barriers were virtually insurmountable.
Indentured Servants
In the early stages of English colonization in North America, Africans arriving in the colonies were not immediately categorized as slaves. Instead, they were often designated as "indentured servants," a form of forced labor that theoretically allowed them to gain freedom after a certain period of service.
This statute, however, offered no real guarantees of freedom, and many Africans ended up imprisoned for life. The concept of "indentured servant" in 17th-century Virginia applied not only to Africans but also to poor Europeans who could not afford their passage to the New World and therefore sold themselves into indentured servitude.
These indentured servant contracts allowed them to work for several years in exchange for transportation, food, and lodging. However, Africans' experience as indentured servants was significantly different from that of Europeans.
While white servants eventually gained freedom and were able to integrate into colonial society, Africans were often held in de facto conditions of slavery even after fulfilling their contracts.
Among the Angolans who arrived as indentured servants, some eventually achieved freedom and even prosperity. However, the concept of indentured servitude for Africans began to fade as the colonial economy became increasingly dependent on racially based slavery.
The transformation of servitude into hereditary slavery, where the children of slaves were also enslaved, marked a turning point in the history of the American colonies. This system not only dehumanized Africans but also perpetuated a cycle of oppression that would become a central part of the colonies' social and economic identity.
The New York Foundation
Angolan slaves played a crucial role in the early decades of the North American colony. Their labor was essential for arduous and fundamental tasks, such as clearing land, planting crops, and, perhaps most significantly, building the first infrastructure of New York City.
The presence of Angolans in New York, then known as New Amsterdam, played a fundamental role in the construction and early development of this metropolis. The story of Manuel de Gerrit de Reus van Angola is emblematic, not only for his miraculous survival from execution, but also for the symbolism it carries regarding the contribution of Angolans to the founding of the city.
In 1624, the Dutch settled in the area that is now New York and quickly recognized the need for labor to sustain the colony's growth. Two years later, the arrival of Manuel and other Angolans, captured and brought as slaves, became crucial to the colony's survival and development.
These slaves, supplied to the Dutch West India Company, were distributed according to the needs of the colonists, performing tasks essential for the maintenance and expansion of the settlement.
One of the most significant projects in which Angolan slaves were involved was the construction of the wall that would give its name to the famous Wall Street, originally erected as a defense against possible attacks.
Furthermore, the construction of Broadway, one of New York's most iconic avenues, also involved these slaves, who played a vital role in clearing and paving the road that would become central to the city's life.
Manuel van Angola
Manuel van Angola, also known as Manuel de Reus, is an example of the integration and resilience of these early Angolans. His survival of an attempted hanging after being sentenced to death for the murder of another slave became a notable event in the colony's history.
The Provincial Council's decision to pardon him, considering the incident an "act of God," not only saved Manuel but also other slaves involved in the crime, demonstrating an aspect of colonial justice that allowed for a certain flexibility, something that would change drastically with the establishment of hereditary slavery in the English colonies.
The life of Manuel de Reus and other Angolans in Nova Amsterdão reflects a system of slavery that, while brutal, allowed some limited opportunities for advancement. Manuel married, acquired land, and actively participated in the local economy.
Their presence in court, both as a defendant and as a witness, is an indication that freed Angolans, despite living in a society that discriminated against them, were able to find ways to claim their rights and fight for a more dignified life.
From New Amsterdam to New York
The transition from New Amsterdam to New York, following the colony's capture by the English in 1664, did not eliminate the African presence in the city. On the contrary, Angolans continued to play an important role, with many of them settling as free Africans in Manhattan.
Manuel de Reus was one of 75 free Africans living on the island at the time, clear evidence that, despite adversity, Angolans managed to create a growing and influential community.
The descendants of Manuel de Reus, such as Michiel de Reus who was baptized in the Dutch Reformed Church, represent the continuity and adaptation of Angolans to the society they helped to build.
Colonial records mention property granted to other freed slaves, such as “Groot” Manuel and Simon Congo, all indicative of the significant Angolan presence in the founding and growth of New York.
Thus, the history of New York cannot be told without recognizing the contribution of Angolans who, through their hard work, actively participated in the construction of the city.
The founding of New York is, in part, an Angolan legacy, and the names of the first Africans who lived there remain a lasting reminder of their presence and influence in the formation of this great metropolis.
Angola in the USA
The impact of the first Angolans in North America extended far beyond their lifetime. Angola's influence on the formation of the African-descendant community is evident in the presence of several places in the United States bearing the name "Angola," which are lasting testaments to this historical connection.
One of the best known is Angola in Louisiana, home to the famous Louisiana State Prison, also known as "Angola." This name harks back to the Angola plantations that once existed in the region, established by owners who were directly or indirectly connected to the first Angolans brought to America.
Afro-descendant Communities
The existence of communities of African-Americans who have maintained a distinct cultural identity despite the brutality of slavery and racial repression is a testament to the resilience of Angolans and their descendants.
These communities were instrumental in preserving traditions, music, and religious practices that have deep roots in Angola. North American culture owes its richness and diversity largely to the fusion of African traditions, including Angolan ones, with European and Native American influences.
Another example of Angola's enduring presence in the United States is the town of Angola, Indiana, which, although established by white settlers, is named in honor of its founders' African roots or the African presence in the region.
These cities and towns scattered across the US are vestiges of a connection that began in 1619, when the first Angolans were forced to cross the Atlantic. The history of Angolans in the Americas is, therefore, one of resistance and adaptation.
Despite adverse conditions and oppression, Angolans and their descendants have managed to find ways to preserve their identities and influence American society in profound and lasting ways.
The Angolan legacy in the United States is vast and multifaceted, reflected not only in the names of places, but also in the culture, music, and significant contributions that Angolans of African descent have made to the nation.
Conclusion
The arrival of the first Angolans in America in 1619 marked the beginning of a historic connection that endures to this day. These men and women, torn from their lands and forced to work in inhumane conditions, have become an integral part of American history.
Their initial presence as "indentured servants" evolved into a brutal slavery that would define race relations in the country for centuries. However, even in the most adverse circumstances, Angolans and their descendants demonstrated a remarkable capacity for adaptation and resilience, leaving a legacy that is still felt today in various regions of the United States.
From the birth of the first American of African descent to the formation of African-American communities, Angolans have played a central role in building the American nation.
This legacy is a powerful reminder of the deep roots connecting Angola and the United States and the importance of recognizing and honoring the history and contributions of people of African descent around the world.
At the site where the first Africans landed in Virginia in 1619, there is now a marker marking the moment, where we can read the names of all of them and see that they were all Angolan.
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