Mina (Louisiana)

Quick Facts: Who was Mina (Louisiana)?

Subject:

Mina (Louisiana)

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A historically significant, linguistically cohesive community of enslaved Black people in Louisiana.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Mina were a community of well-organized, enslaved Black people in Louisiana who spoke a common language, most likely a dialect of Ewe that may have been related to Fon. Though some historians include the Mina with enslaved Africans sold from Elmina on the Gold Coast, other historians believe they were Ewe people from the Bight of Benin.

Career & Major Achievements

As part of how some Louisiana slave-holders managed enslaved people at the time, the maintenance of African linguistic–ethnic communities was tolerated and even encouraged. The Pointe Coupée Mina community arose following their enslavement and importation into Louisiana following 1782.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Among enslaved Africans whose ethnicity was recorded in official documents between 1719 and 1820, Mina were the third-largest enslaved ethnic group in Louisiana. Many Mina took part in the Pointe Coupée Slave Conspiracy of 1791.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1719: 1719 Milestone — Among enslaved Africans whose ethnicity was recorded in official documents between 1719 and 1820, Mina were the third-largest enslaved ethnic group in Louisiana.
2. 1782: 1782 Milestone — The Pointe Coupée Mina community arose following their enslavement and importation into Louisiana following 1782.
3. 1791: 1791 Milestone — Many Mina took part in the Pointe Coupée Slave Conspiracy of 1791.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Mina (Louisiana)

True or False: “The Mina community was exclusively composed of people originating from the Gold Coast region.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While some historians link them to Elmina on the Gold Coast, other theories suggest they were Ewe people from the Bight of Benin.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mina (Louisiana)