Bénézets

Bénézets is a surname, most famously associated with the Bénézet brothers, a group of seven siblings from Avignon, France, known for their extensive missionary work. The most prominent among them were Jean-Louis Bénézet and his brother Antoine Bénézet. Their family was deeply involved in Quakerism and established a strong presence in the abolitionist movement.

Jean-Louis Bénézet (1731-1788) was a significant figure in the American Revolution, serving as a diplomat and negotiator for the Continental Congress. He played a crucial role in securing French support for the American cause. His brother, Antoine Bénézet (1713-1784), was a prominent abolitionist, educator, and philanthropist. He dedicated much of his life to advocating for the rights of enslaved people and establishing schools for Black children and Native Americans in Philadelphia.

The Bénézet family's legacy is intertwined with the history of social justice and humanitarian efforts, particularly in the United States and France. Their commitment to equality and education left a lasting impact on the movements they championed. The name Bénézet continues to be recognized in historical contexts related to abolitionism and early American diplomacy.