The Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage was founded in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush. As notable Enlightenment thinkers, both Franklin and Rush were deeply influenced by the ideals of liberty and the burgeoning human rights movement. Recognizing the plight of free Blacks who faced unlawful enslavement, they gathered a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to addressing injustices within the prevailing slave system. This society was the first of its kind in North America, representing a significant step towards organized abolitionist activism. It was established in a period when discussions about human rights and freedom were gaining momentum, coinciding with the American Revolution's ideals of liberty and equality. The society focused on providing assistance to free Africans wrongfully enslaved, and by promoting legal reform and public awareness, aimed to challenge the societal norms surrounding slavery at that time.

The society’s formation brought together various members of the Philadelphia elite, who contributed resources and intellectual support to the endeavor. Their meetings and subsequent actions created a network for advocacy and education, pushing against the common acceptance of slavery in both local and broader contexts. Moreover, this initiative laid the groundwork for further abolitionist movements and inspired later activists who fought to eradicate slavery in the United States. The discussions led by Franklin, Rush, and their peers would resonate through the years, culminating in more structured abolition societies across the nation by the early 19th century.