John Jacobus Flournoy is remembered as an advocate for a deaf state, a concept that championed self-determination for the deaf community. However, his advocacy was complex, as he also resisted the abolitionist movement in the United States, creating a tension between his support for one marginalized group and his opposition to the liberation of another. Flournoy, who was deaf himself, lived near Athens, Georgia, and experienced periods of mental instability, leading to frequent institutionalization.
With passion and precision, John Jacobus Flournoy delivers a powerful rebuke of the pro-slavery pamphlet 'Bondage: A Moral Institution Sanctioned by the Scriptures and the Savior.' His articulate defense of abolitionism is both inspiring and informative, making this essential reading for anyone interested in the history of slavery in America.