PAPERBACK ISBN: 0-88258-204-6     $23.95

Pub Date: 2000

by Bruce Edward Twyman

The Black Seminole Legacy and North American Politics, 1693–1845 by Bruce Edward Twyman explores the influence wielded by the fugitive slaves who fled to Florida and formed alliances with the Native peoples there, mainly the Seminole Indians. It tells the hidden story of the impact these so-called “Black Seminoles” had on the political policies of Spain, Britain, and the American Colonial governments from 1693 to 1845. Using official documents, author Twyman reveals the important role of the Black Seminoles in maintaining the Spanish presence in Florida and in the Florida statehood movement, showing how this influential group affected the policies toward the region of U.S. presidents Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe and Jackson.  The Black Seminole Legacy introduces new insights into Native and African American relationships. It will fascinate and inform general as well as scholarly readers.

The Black Seminole leader Abraham, a particularly important character in this saga, is featured in the work. The book also reveals the important role of Black Seminoles in Spanish survival in Florida and in Florida’s acquiring statehood.

About the Author

Bruce Edward Twyman received his doctorate degree in political science from Clark Atlanta University. He has taught at various universities including Prairie View A&M University in Texas and California State University–Los Angeles. While preparing for a general project about Native American politics, Dr. Twyman stumbled across the intriguing subject of Black Seminoles, which led him to research and develop this book.

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