By: Richard L. Smith
On the 14th day of our Black History Month celebration, RLS Media honors the remarkable life of Sylvia Dubois, an African-American woman whose journey from slavery to freedom is a testament to resilience and defiance against oppression.
Dubois's path to liberation, born into the harsh realities of slavery, was marked by a moment of extraordinary courage that changed the course of her life.
In the heart of Sourland Mountain, New Jersey, Dubois's story began with her claiming her birth date as March 5, 1768. Her early years were spent under the shadow of slavery, performing laborious tasks often deemed suitable only for men.
Her life took a dramatic turn when, in an act of self-defense, she struck her mistress, who had attacked her for unsatisfactory work. This bold act led to her gaining freedom, a rare feat that set her on a path to a new life in New Jersey.
Embracing her newfound liberty, Dubois moved to New Jersey, reuniting with her mother and raising her children in a free environment.
Her remarkable journey and the years that followed were chronicled by physician C.W. Larison, who was captivated by her story and her longevity, documenting her life in the biography "Silvia Dubois (Now 116 Years Old): A Biography of the Slave Who Whipt Her Mistress and Gand Her Freedom."
Despite the challenges she faced, Dubois's spirit remained unbroken. She lived her years in New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy of strength and determination that continues to inspire.
Her final resting place in Stroutsburg Cemetery on Sourland Mountain stands as a lasting tribute to a woman who fought for her freedom and dignity.
Sylvia Dubois's story is not just a narrative of personal triumph but also a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice.
As we commemorate her life and legacy, let us draw inspiration from her courage and resolve to stand up for our rights and freedom.
Sylvia Dubois's journey from bondage to freedom is a beacon of hope and a poignant chapter in New Jersey's rich tapestry of black history.
INFORMATION & IMAGE CREDIT: Wikipedia,
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