what was Mum Bett personal fight to uphold the Declaration of independence
http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1190.html
ok so she sued because she thought she didn't have any rights and freedom
I urge you to read the whole article. Then you can give more details in your answer.
Mum Bett, also known as Elizabeth Freeman, was an enslaved African-American woman who played a significant role in the fight for freedom and equality in America. Her personal fight to uphold the principles of the Declaration of Independence was rooted in her pursuit of liberty and justice for herself and other enslaved individuals.
To understand Mum Bett's personal fight, we need to explore how she came to learn about the Declaration of Independence and its ideals. One of the key factors was her association with the household of the Sedgwick family in Massachusetts. While working as an enslaved woman in their household, she had access to discussions and debates about the abolitionist movement and the principles of freedom espoused in the Declaration.
Mum Bett's journey towards fighting for her rights began when she overheard a reading of the Massachusetts Constitution, which declared that "all men are born free and equal." Inspired by these words, she sought the assistance of Theodore Sedgwick, a prominent lawyer and abolitionist, to help her sue for her freedom. This legal battle became known as the case of Brom and Bett v. Ashley.
In 1781, Mum Bett, with the aid of Sedgwick, went to court and successfully argued her case. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that slavery was incompatible with the new state constitution and, therefore, she was declared free. This decision set a legal precedent and contributed to the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts.
Mum Bett's personal fight to uphold the Declaration of Independence was not only about her own freedom but also about challenging the inherent contradiction between the ideals of liberty and the institution of slavery. By going to court and asserting her rights, she effectively challenged the legal and moral basis of enslavement.
Mum Bett's actions and the subsequent legal victory demonstrated that the principles of freedom and equality enshrined in the Declaration of Independence should be extended to all individuals, regardless of their race or background. Her fight paved the way for the abolitionist movement to gain momentum and played a significant role in advancing the cause of freedom and equal rights for African-Americans in America.