At Mocha Motion Coffee, Black History Month isn’t just about reflection—it’s about honoring the lived history that continues to shape us today. This year, we celebrate a powerful story of courage and resilience—one that is deeply connected to our own team.
Our own Melissa, a key part of our Mocha Motion family, is the fourth great-granddaughter of Ezekiel Thompson—one of the freedom fighters who took a stand during the Christiana Resistance of 1851. Her mother, Ms. Darlene Colon, is a historian, and President of the Christiana Historical Society (CHS), working to preserve and share this vital history.
The Christiana Resistance: A Defining Moment
On September 11, 1851, in Christiana, Pennsylvania, a group of free Black men and formerly enslaved individuals bravely resisted a federal raid aimed at capturing four freedom seekers. The raid, led by Maryland slave owner Edward Gorsuch and a federal marshal, targeted the home of William Parker, a formerly enslaved man who had become a leader in Christiana’s Black community.
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 made it illegal to aid runaways and forced even free states like Pennsylvania to assist in their capture. But the Black residents of Christiana refused to comply. Ezekiel Thompson was among those who fought back.
The confrontation resulted in an exchange of gunfire and the death of Edward Gorsuch. The raiders were driven off, and many of those involved fled to Canada for safety. In response, the federal government charged 41 people, both Black and White, with treason—one of the most significant legal cases of its time. The trial defense was led by Thaddeus Stevens, a fierce abolitionist and one of the most influential political leaders of the era. The defense challenged the federal government’s attempt to punish those who resisted slavery, and after just 15 minutes of jury deliberation, the first defendant, Castner Hanway, was acquitted. This verdict led to the dismissal of all other charges and dealt a major blow to the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act. The Christiana Resistance became a defining moment in the escalating tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.
Honoring the Past & Looking Ahead
Melissa and Ms. Darlene continue to honor the courage of their ancestor, Ezekiel Thompson, and the Christiana community who fought for freedom. Ms. Darlene’s work at CHS ensures that this history is preserved and shared for future generations.
We’re also excited to announce that Mocha Motion Coffee will be part of the festivities at Heritage Days on September 13, 2025, at the Christiana Historical Society! We invite you to save the date and join us as we honor this powerful history, celebrate community, and continue the legacy of those who stood for justice. Check out their events page here.
Black history is American history. Let’s honor it together.