Free People of Color

Free People of Color refers to individuals of African descent who were not enslaved, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries in the Americas and the Caribbean. These individuals often had varying degrees of freedom and social status, sometimes owning property or businesses, and even employing enslaved people themselves. Their experiences and rights often differed significantly based on local laws and societal attitudes toward race. The existence of Free People of Color highlights the complexities of race, class, and freedom in historical contexts, illustrating a nuanced social landscape beyond the binary of enslaved and free.