The genesis for Unconquered begins where you would imagine so many epic historical, action narratives to begin: Facebook. Yes, amid the pet videos and baby shower announcements I watched a video with a historian describing the courage and resilience of a small group of Native Americans in Florida and specifically a sub group known as the Black Seminoles. I quickly dove into a Google search that led me to a handful of books, some historical writings and one site dedicated to one man principally; his name is John Horse. John Horse was a half Black, half Seminole man who was raised with the tribe and rose to be one of the most prominent leaders in their resistance in what came to be known as the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). In researching I immersed myself in everything from Seminole children’s books to detailed military accounts of the campaigns. The Unites States under Andrew Jackson sought to steal Seminole land and recapture Africans who had liberated themselves from the clutches of slavery. Neither the president nor the Congress anticipated this goal being as difficult or expensive as it became, especially not encountering determined warriors using guerrilla war tactics to repel them. I was captivated by the real life struggles Black Seminoles faced in simply pursuing their humanity, and the resourcefulness they employed in fighting to maintain it. These stolen Africans who were forced to make their way in land that dictated they surrender their rights as human beings or die. They were in the unique position to oppose the vile institution of slavery and all of its weaponized forms by allying with indigenous Seminole who shared a common enemy and welcomed them as brothers and sisters. What also became clear was the abundance of research was military based and almost entirely from the perspective of a white observer or soldier. Those Seminoles and former slaves in that time practiced an oral tradition of sharing history and wisdom. In writing this project I made a tremendous effort to embody the Black and Seminole voices that have been silenced for too long. I believe this film can contribute to the oral tradition that connects us to the cultural wisdom and awareness we desperately need in today’s society. Unconquered is written for all of us but especially the descendants of slaves as our cultural heritage was violently stripped from us and Native Americans as victims of settler colonial genocide. It is crucial for us to know our history and how we came to live as we do. I believe it is impossible to live equally in the present and collectively prosper in the future if we do not reconcile with our past. I want all of us to continue to be encouraged to fight against injustice and genocide of today by celebrating stories of our ancestors who fought to resist brutal forms of oppression.They managed to survive and cultivate a rich community; it is our responsibility to do the same.