Enslaved, Indentured, Free shines a light on the lives of five extraordinary women-Marianne, Mariah, Patsey, Rachel, and Courtney-whose stories intersected at Prairie du Chien.  Marianne was free. White enslavers held four of the five women captive.  Through resourcefulness, self-purchase, and freedom, suits-including one suit that was used as precedent in Dred Scott's and Harriet Scott's infamous freedom suits years later-these, women fought for and ultimately secured their freedom.  And all four women were influenced by Marianne, who demonstrated what it took to survive and thrive as a free Black woman in Prairie du Chien.

ALSO:  View a Milwaukee PBS video episode of Black Nouveau, showing interviews with author Mary Antoine and descendants of the women depicted in this book!