Afro-Seminole in United States

Introduction / History

Spain once held Florida. Decades after the United States was formed, escaped Black slaves from the US fled to Florida where slavery had been abolished. They had regular interaction with the local indigenous tribes. This network of tribes was called the Seminoles. There was intermarriage between the Blacks and Indians, and their cultures borrowed heavily from one another.

In 1818-19 there was the first Seminole War. The US defeated the well-armed Seminoles, and Florida was ceded to the United States. The Second Seminole War was between 1935-42 when the US moved the Seminoles and other tribes from the South to Oklahoma. Once settled in Oklahoma, the Seminoles were subjugated by the Creek tribe.

When slavery was abolished in the US, some Afro-Seminoles became scouts for the US Army. Others fled to northern Mexico as early as 1850 to establish a free settlement.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today there are only a couple hundred Afro-Seminole people in both the US and Mexico. For the most part, they have merged with other ethnic groups.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There is a strong Roman Catholic element among the Afro-Seminole people.

What Are Their Needs?

The Afro-Seminole people need a foundational identity in Christ. They have been abused and pushed around. People commonly cling to an ethnic identity when this happens, but theirs has been weakened through the generations. Like all other peoples, they need the guidance of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to bless them economically and spiritually.

Pray for the Afro-Seminole people to become such strong disciples of Christ that they disciple others in both the US and Mexico.

Text Source:   Joshua Project