Question

Why did free african americans need certificates of freedom?

Answer 1

They could be legally killed or sold.

Step-by-step explanation:

Free African-Americans required a certificate to verify their freedom because there were many people willing to sell them. Seeing an African American walking around town wasn't common unless they were collecting water or running errand for their owners. So, naturally people grew suspicious.

Also, many runaway slaves could say that they were free. And, there would be no way to verify that if there were no certificates .

Slavery was truly a terrible time.

Answer 2

Free Black people still faced danger. Many appeared in court to ask for a Certificate of Freedom. The claimant had to prove that he/she was born free or had been previously freed. If the court was satisfied, it would issue a certificate with a minute description of the person including skin shades, hair texture, and body scars. Freedom papers were essential for freedmen who wanted to travel, particularly those working on the rivers.

Step-by-step explanation: