Lhe insurgencies and revolutions of black slaves are neglected by contemporary history. However, there are many examples of individuals having undermined the power of slavery. The example of Denmark Vensey occupies a very special place in this regard.
Information regarding Denmark's birth is rather vague and all based on speculation. Some may have assumed that he was originally from St. Thomas (Virgin Islands) while others claim that he could be of Mandingo or Ghanaian origin (Coromante or Coromantine at the time). On the other hand, we know that he lived briefly in Haiti, before disembarking in Charleston, South Carolina, when he was still a child. In 1799, Denmark Vesey would have won the sum of $ 1500 in a gambling game, and thus could have redeemed his freedom. Once free, he settled down as a carpenter, and in 1817 created a branch of the famous African Methodist Episcopal Church. The latter was destroyed by white owners for the first time in 1818, then definitively in 1820. Furious at this injustice, Denmark Vesey, inspired by the revolutionary spirit and the events of the Haitian revolution of 1791, should have taken place on the symbolic day of the storming of the Bastille (July 14) in 1822. The news quickly spread to thousands of slaves wishing to lead a revolution. The course of operations was to consist of a series of assassinations of Charleston's slave owners, a liberation of the slaves, a takeover of the city, and finally, a possible retreat to Haiti (in the event of too much repression). Two slaves opposed to Vesey's plans denounced him; he was arrested along with 131 other revolutionaries on the grounds of conspiracy against the state. 67 men were found guilty, 35 were immediately hanged, including Denmark Vesey.