On February 21, 1848, former President John Quincy Adams delivered a passionate speech in the House of Representatives opposing the expansion of slavery before suffering a fatal stroke at his desk. The only former U.S. President to serve in Congress after his presidency, Adams dedicated his long career to defending freedom, fighting the “gag rule” that silenced debate on slavery, and even arguing before the Supreme Court to secure the freedom of the Africans aboard La Amistad. His life reminds us to stand firm in our convictions, work courageously for what is right, and never stop serving a cause greater than ourselves.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/adams-slavery-6

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.