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Slavery in California

Headshot of Bridget "Biddy" Mason, who was born enslaved in
Georgia. She walked more than 2,000 miles through rugged terrain
to California where she eventually won her freedom in a
landmark court case and became a celebrated philanthropist.


The ACLU of Northern California launched GoldChainsCA.org, a website that exposes the hidden history of slavery in California. The site is part of a collaboration between ACLU of Northern California, Equal Justice Society, KQED, and Laura Atkins.

California has a reputation as the “Golden State” of opportunity, promise, innovation, and resistance. But the inconvenient truth that may surprise–and shock–many of us is that the state’s founding went hand in hand with policies that sanctioned slavery and genocide.

"The mission of Gold Chains is to uncover the hidden history of slavery in California by lifting up the voices of courageous African American and Native American individuals who challenged their brutal treatment and demanded their civil rights, inspiring us with their ingenuity, resilience, and tenacity. We aim to expose the role of the courts, laws, and the tacit acceptance of white supremacy in sanctioning race-based violence and discrimination that continues into the present day. Through an unflinching examination of our collective past, we invite California to become truly aware and authentically enlightened."

Gold Chains: The Hidden History of Slavery in California uncovers chapters of California’s hidden history. This unique project lifts up the voices of courageous African American and Native American individuals who challenged their brutal treatment and demanded their civil rights.

Gold Chains debunks California’s unblemished brand as exclusively progressive, correcting it with facts of a history mired in racism, white supremacy, and violence. The stories on the website are told through narratives, public records, archival material, and images. Visit http://www.goldchainsca.org to learn more.

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