What does FWC mean in COMMUNITY

A Free Woman of Color was an African or Afro-American woman who was legally considered to be free and usually owned land, slaves, and other possessions in the United States during the late 18th century and early 19th century.

The term "Free Person of Color" was used by France in its first anti-slavery laws of 1794 to refer to those people born in the colonies before 1791 who were already free because their parents had been freed from slavery before then. This term was eventually adopted by US colonies as well.

In some areas, free women of color achieved certain legal rights through contractual arrangements with white men, typically involving land ownership or guardianship of children. In other areas, emancipation laws granted them freedom from slavery but may have withheld voting or other civil rights that were granted only to whites.

Despite achieving freedom from enslavement, free women of color still faced many challenges including discrimination from both whites and blacks, limited access to education and job opportunities, inadequate legal protection against violence, and poverty.

Before gaining full freedom from slavery after 1791, free women of color often worked as cooks, seamstresses or laundresses. After gaining full freedom they began participating in other activities such as farming and operating businesses like restaurants and markets.

Laws that restricted the ability for free women to acquire property included those preventing them from inheriting land or entering into contracts without consent from a white guardian. Many states also prohibited interracial marriage which prevented a woman’s family unit from pooling resources together which would aid economic stability.

While it is true that some did own slaves, it is important to note this only happened among those who held significant wealth often achieved through inheritance or contract arrangements with white men. For most this was not an option due to socio-economic constraints.

Yes! There were a number organizations created specifically for free women including Ebenezer Piety Society (1810) which sought to provide members with economic assistance; the Female Union Benevolent Society (1819) which offered assistance burying the dead; and many churches established by black congregants in antebellum South Carolina.

Religion often played a very important role in the lives if free women offering solace during times political unrest as well as providing structure for daily life along with spiritual guidance.

The legacy and history surrounding free women has not been forgotten over time despite being largely omitted from mainstream history books. Today there are numerous organizations dedicated to preserving their stories such as The National Association Of Black Women Historians & The Association Of African American Historic Preservationists.