In Missouri in 1855, it was a crime to “take any woman unlawfully against her will and by force, menace or duress, compel her to…be defiled,” allowing women to argue self-defense in resisting such assaults.
However, the Missouri High Court ruled that enslaved women did not have such a right. So Celia, a Callaway County, Missouri, enslaved woman, was executed for the murder of her sexually abusive owner, Robert Newsom, on December 21, 1855.
Over a century later, both white and black Celia/Robert Newsom Descendants and Supporters joined forces and created the Justice for Celia Coalition and the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation. After months of hard-fought advocacy, Celia Newsom was pardoned on December 20, 2024, nearly 169 years after her unjust execution. But Celia’s justice journey is far from complete!
Learn more about who Celia was and who we are as a foundation founded in her honor.
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Celia’s story has reached far and wide, and news of our work in her name is spreading, too. We excitedly share our work with anyone who wishes to learn.
You can see more about the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation in the media here.
