Terms and Conditions 

Terms and Conditions

 

Effective Date: February 16, 2025

Last Updated: September 18, 2026

Contact Us

 

1. Introduction

 

Welcome to Freedmen Nation. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of our website, platform, and services (“Services”). By accessing or using Freedmen Nation, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our Services.

 

2. Eligibility

 

To use our Services, you must:

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• Be at least 18 years old or have legal parental/guardian consent.

• Provide accurate and complete information when required.

• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

3. Purpose of Freedmen Nation

 

Freedmen Nation is a platform dedicated to:

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• Supporting Freedmen through economic, legal, and educational initiatives.

• Providing genealogy resources to verify Freedmen status.

• Offering financial and community-driven resources to verified Freedmen beneficiaries.

 

4. Membership & Account Responsibilities

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• You may be required to create an account to access certain services.

• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

• You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

• Freedmen Nation reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

 

5. Donations & Financial Contributions

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• All donations and financial contributions are voluntary and non-refundable.

• Contributions support Freedmen Nation’s mission and the Freedmen Reparations Fund Trust.

• We are not responsible for any third-party processing fees or issues related to payments.

 

SOULAAN Licensing Payments Are Separate From Donations

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Required SOULAAN activation or licensing payments are contractual fees, not voluntary donations, regardless of the label displayed on the payment page or checkout button.

Applicable amounts, payment deadlines, processing charges, and refund conditions must be disclosed before payment and are governed by the relevant agreement and applicable law. The voluntary-donation and non-refundable-donation provisions of this section do not determine the refundability of contractual fees.

 

Neither a donation nor a licensing payment purchases genealogy-based membership, Verified Freedmen status, or SOULAAN acknowledgement. Payment alone does not constitute final commercial authorization.

 

6. Prohibited Activities

 

You may not use Freedmen Nation for:

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• Fraudulent, illegal, or deceptive activities.

• Harassment, hate speech, or discrimination.

• Misrepresentation of Freedmen status.

• Unauthorized access, data scraping, or security breaches.

 

Freedmen Nation reserves the right to take legal action against individuals or entities that violate these Terms.

 

7. Intellectual Property Rights

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• All content, trademarks, and intellectual property on Freedmen Nation’s platform belong to Freedmen Nation or its licensors.

• You may not copy, distribute, or modify any content without prior written permission.

 

8. User-Submitted Content

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• By submitting content (e.g., genealogy information, comments, or testimonials), you retain full ownership of your work. You grant Freedmen Nation a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display or use content only for the purpose it was submitted, such as verification, historical preservation, or community engagement. 

• Freed​men Nation will not sell, alter, or commercially exploit your content without your explicit written permission. 

• You are solely responsible for the accuracy and legality of submitted content.

• Freedmen Nation does not claim proprietary rights over user-submitted geneology charts or historical materials.

• All submitted genealogy charts will only be used for verification and research purposes.

• No portion of your submitted content will be licensed or sublicensed to any third party without your written consent. 

 

9. Privacy & Data Protection

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• Our Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, store, and protect user data.

• By using Freedmen Nation, you agree to our data collection and use practices.

 

10. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

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• Freedmen Nation provides its Services on an “as-is” basis without warranties.

• We do not guarantee uninterrupted access or error-free functionality.

• Freedmen Nation is not liable for damages arising from the use of our Services, including financial loss, data breaches, or third-party actions.

 

11. Termination of Services

 

Freedmen Nation reserves the right to:

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• Suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

• Modify or discontinue any part of its Services at any time.

 

12. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

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• These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States.

• Any disputes shall first be attempted to be resolved through negotiation.

• If necessary, legal disputes will be settled through arbitration or in courts located in the United States.

 

13. Changes to These Terms

 

We may update these Terms periodically. Any changes will take effect upon posting, and continued use of Freedmen Nation constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

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14. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

 

By accessing or participating in any capacity with the Freedmen Nation platform, Private Membership Association (PMA), or affiliated work groups under the Freedmen Reparations Fund Trust, you agree to the following:

 

1. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to:

   • Internal discussions, strategies, planning documents, legal initiatives, work group activities, financial operations, verification systems, and unreleased digital tools;

   • Private communications with Trustees, administrators, or designated representatives;

   • Documents labeled “Confidential,” “Private,” or “For Internal Use Only.”

2. Non-Disclosure

You agree not to disclose, distribute, copy, share, or publish any Confidential Information obtained through your access to Freedmen Nation without prior written authorization from the Primary Trustee.

  3. Continuing Obligation

This obligation survives termination of your participation in any Freedmen Nation group or project.

  4. Breach and Enforcement​

Any violation of this clause may result in immediate removal from the platform, forfeiture of any benefits, and legal action under applicable trust law and private membership enforcement.

 

15. Contact Information

 

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

 

Freedmen Nation

If you have questions, contact us. 

 

By using Freedmen Nation, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

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Private Membership Association (PMA) & Genealogy-Based Membership

 

Effective Date: February 19, 2025

 

1. Membership is Free & Based on Genealogy

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• Freedmen Nation operates as a Private Membership Association (PMA), meaning membership is not open to the public and is granted based solely on genealogy.

• No fees are required for membership, as eligibility is determined by verified lineage to U.S. chattel slavery.

• Membership is not contingent upon financial contributions, sponsorships, or donations.

• ​Membership in Freedmen Nation is exclusive to individuals who can verify direct lineage to U.S. chattel slavery (Freedmen heritage). This status is distinct from racial classifications and is a historical, lineage-based designation

 

2. Exclusivity Under Private Contract Law

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• As a PMA, Freedmen Nation operates under private contract law, ensuring that only verified Freedmen may join.

• Freedmen Nation reserves the right to approve or deny membership based on genealogical verification.

• Membership in Freedmen Nation does not confer ownership rights over its resources, programs, or funds.

• ​As a PMA, Freedmen Nation operates solely under private contract law. Members voluntarily agree that all disputes, claims, or grievances shall be resolved exclusively through Freedmen Nation’s internal governance and arbitration processes, waiving any right to external court proceedings unless authorized by Freedmen Nation

 

3. Voluntary Contributions & Financial Independence

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• While membership is free, Freedmen Nation may accept voluntary donations or private funding to support its mission.

• All contributions are optional and do not impact an individual’s membership status or eligibility.

• Freedmen Nation does not accept government funding or public grants to maintain its private and independent status.

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4. Membership Agreement & Legal Acknowledgment

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• ​All members must acknowledge and agree to Freedmen Nation’s Private Membership Agreement upon joining. This agreement governs all rights, responsibilities, and dispute resolution within Freedmen Nation

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Freedmen Status Recognition & Legal Standing

 

1. Acknowledgment of Freedmen Status

 

By becoming a member of Freedmen Nation, you affirm that you hold Freedmen status as a successor of U.S. Freedmen—individuals emancipated from American chattel slavery. You acknowledge that Freedmen status was never legally repealed and remains a valid classification under historical and legal precedent.

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2. Status-Based Recognition

 

Freedmen Nation recognizes members based on Freedmen status, not racial identity. Membership requires acknowledgment of Freedmen status as defined by post-Civil War records, including the Freedmen’s Bureau, the 1866 Civil Rights Act, and other historical documentation.

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3. Legal & Political Purpose

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Freedmen Nation exists to assert, reclaim, and enforce the recognition of Freedmen status at all levels of government. The collective acknowledgment of members will be used to:

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• Demand federal and state recognition of Freedmen as a distinct group.

• Pursue legislative and legal actions to enforce Freedmen protections.

• Ensure that Freedmen status is not erased through racial reclassification.

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4. Independence & Sovereignty

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Freedmen Nation is not affiliated with any government entity and operates as an independent body advocating for the rights of Freedmen. Membership does not confer any government benefits but establishes collective recognition necessary for future legal and policy enforcement.

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Freedmen Nation Marketplace – Terms of Use​

 

Welcome to the Freedmen Nation Marketplace, a platform organized under the Freedmen Reparations Fund Trust. By accessing or using this directory, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

 

1. Verified Freedmen Vendor Requirement

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Only individuals who have completed the Freedmen Nation verification process may be listed as sellers or business operators.

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All vendors must maintain active Verified Freedmen status to remain featured in the Marketplace.

 

2. Third-Party Platforms & Purchases

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The Marketplace does not process transactions or collect payments.

 

Buyers are directed to external websites, storefronts, or services controlled by the Verified Freedmen vendors.

The Trust is not responsible for the payment, delivery, or refund processes of individual sellers.

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3. Ethical Vendor Expectations

 

Vendors must adhere to the following:

 

• Conduct business in a manner that reflects dignity, honesty, and Freedmen principles.

• Represent products and services truthfully.

• Use their own platforms or e-commerce tools to handle sales and customer service.

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4. Use of Marketplace & Logo

 

• Vendors listed on the Marketplace may not use the Freedmen Nation, Trust, or Legal Fund logos without written authorization.

• The Marketplace functions as a directory and promotional tool, not as a broker, distributor, or fulfillment agent.

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5. Removal or Suspension

 

The Trust reserves the right to remove any vendor if:

 

• Freedmen verification status lapses or is revoked.

• The vendor engages in fraudulent, unethical, or misleading practices.

• The vendor uses the Trust’s name or likeness to imply government or financial endorsement.

 

6. Dispute Disclaimer

 

All disputes regarding product quality, delivery, or customer service are between the buyer and the individual seller.

The Trust is not liable for resolving individual buyer-vendor issues.

 

7. Terms Revisions

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Freedmen Nation reserves the right to modify these Terms. Vendors will be notified of material changes.​

 

By using the Freedmen Nation Marketplace, vendors affirm their Verified Freedmen status and agree to operate independently, while being aligned with the standards of dignity, trust, and economic self-governance.

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Freedmen Actors Union (FAU) Eligibility & Separate Membership

 

1. Eligibility Through Verified Freedmen Status

 

Individuals who have successfully completed the Freedmen Nation status-verification process may become eligible to apply for participation in the Freedmen Actors Union (“FAU”), a private, non-statutory, trust-governed cultural representation and professional-support institution operating under the authority of the Freedmen Reparations Fund Trust (“FRFT”).

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Verified Freedmen status establishes eligibility for consideration but does not automatically create FAU membership.

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2. Separate and Voluntary FAU Membership

Participation in the Freedmen Actors Union is entirely voluntary.

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Verification through Freedmen Nation does not:

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• Automatically enroll an individual in FAU;

• Require an individual to become an FAU member;

• Create an obligation to pay FAU dues or fees;

• Authorize FAU to represent an individual without separate consent; or

• Alter an individual’s membership in SAG-AFTRA, Actors’ Equity Association, or any other labor organization.

 

An eligible actor, actress, performer, or other qualified entertainment professional who elects to participate must separately accept the FAU Private Membership Agreement and any applicable FAU governing policies.

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3. Verification Confirmation

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For purposes of determining FAU eligibility, FRFT and Freedmen Nation may confirm whether an applicant holds active Verified Freedmen status.

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FAU does not independently determine Freedmen status.

Underlying genealogy records, family trees, historical documents, identification records, or other verification materials shall not be transferred to FAU merely because an individual applies for FAU membership. Any additional disclosure shall require authorization consistent with applicable FRFT and Freedmen Nation privacy and data-governance requirements.

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4. Separate FAU Governance

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FAU membership is governed by its own Charter, Private Membership Agreement, eligibility policies, Code of Ethics and Cultural Integrity Policy, Board-adopted resolutions, and other governing instruments approved under FRFT authority.

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Freedmen Nation membership and FAU membership are separate relationships.

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Termination, resignation, suspension, or other action concerning FAU membership does not by itself revoke an individual’s Verified Freedmen status. Any determination affecting Verified Freedmen status remains within the applicable FRFT verification and governance process.

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5. FAU Dues, Fees, and Financial Obligations

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Freedmen Nation status verification and Freedmen Nation membership remain separate from any financial obligations that may be established for FAU membership.

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FAU may establish membership dues, program fees, professional-service fees, or other charges through its separately adopted governing documents and Board-approved revenue policies.

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No FAU financial contribution purchases, establishes, alters, or guarantees Verified Freedmen status.

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6. No Employment or Casting Guarantee

 

Verification or membership in FAU does not guarantee employment, casting, representation, compensation, production participation, industry placement, or any other professional opportunity.

 

FAU may provide private institutional support, professional-development opportunities, talent-registry participation, cultural representation support, and other services authorized by its governing documents.

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SOULAAN Acknowledgement, Institutional Classification, and Commercial Licensing

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1. Purpose and Scope

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The Freedmen Reparations Fund Trust (“FRFT”) administers SOULAAN acknowledgement, verification-related records, cultural-preservation initiatives, and authorized licensing programs within its institutional framework.

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For purposes of its own records and programs, FRFT recognizes SOULAAN as a status-based Autochthonous peoplehood of the United States. This is an FRFT institutional classification. It does not constitute federal or state tribal recognition, American Indian tribal citizenship, or eligibility for governmental benefits.

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These provisions govern participation in FRFT-administered programs. They do not establish authority over every person who identifies as SOULAAN.

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2. Genealogy, Verification, and SOULAAN

 

Acknowledgement

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SOULAAN institutional acknowledgement is administered under the applicable documentary-genealogy, verification, and acknowledgement requirements disclosed to applicants.

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A SOULAAN Acknowledgement Number (“SAN”) records acknowledgement within FRFT’s institutional system. It is not a government-issued identification number or a commercial license.

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Applicants must provide accurate information and authentic supporting records. Institutional credentials may not be falsified, transferred to another person, or used to misrepresent another person’s acknowledgement.

Donations, purchases, sponsorships, and commercial licensing payments do not establish qualifying genealogy or purchase Verified Freedmen status or SOULAAN acknowledgement.

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3. Separate Commercial Authorization

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Verified Freedmen status, a SAN, membership, a donation, or inclusion in the Freedmen Nation Marketplace does not, by itself, grant permission to operate as an FRFT-authorized SOULAAN seller.

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Participation in the SOULAAN licensed-seller program requires completion of the applicable authorization and licensing agreements, satisfaction of required payment conditions, and final written approval identifying the authorized products and sales channels.

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Application approval, preliminary discussions, payment, or submission of product mock-ups does not alone constitute final authorization.

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Program applicants may not represent proposed products as FRFT-approved or commence activities requiring authorization under their agreements before that authorization is issued. Approved sellers must remain within the scope of their agreements, including applicable restrictions on designs, colorways, production, listings, advertising, and marketplaces.

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4. Intellectual Property and Accurate Representation

Any permission granted by FRFT is limited to the intellectual-property rights FRFT owns or is authorized to license and to the uses expressly approved in writing.

Participants must not falsely claim FRFT endorsement, certification, licensing, or affiliation. This includes misleading representations in product listings, advertisements, keywords, tags, metadata, certificates, badges, and promotional materials.

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These provisions do not prohibit lawful personal identification, commentary, criticism, historical discussion, truthful references, or other uses permitted by applicable law. They do not establish ownership of a people, their ancestry, or every use of the word SOULAAN.

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5. Records and Privacy

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Genealogical records, identification documents, and other personal information submitted through SOULAAN programs remain subject to the applicable Privacy Policy and user-submitted-content provisions.

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Participation does not transfer ownership of a person’s submitted genealogical work or grant additional permission to publish, license, or commercially exploit it. Any additional use requiring consent must receive separate, explicit authorization.

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6. Review and Program Administration

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False submissions, misuse of institutional credentials, or violations of an applicable agreement may result in review and appropriate restrictions on program participation or commercial authorization.

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Any suspension, termination, corrective request, or opportunity to respond will be handled under the applicable program procedures, executed agreements, and law.

A commercial licensing dispute or removal from a website directory does not, by itself, change a person’s underlying genealogy or lineage.

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7. Separate Agreements and Changes

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Executed SOULAAN authorization and licensing agreements govern the matters within their scope. If this section conflicts with such an agreement, the executed agreement controls those matters, subject to applicable law.

Publication of this section does not retroactively amend an existing agreement or automatically enroll a visitor in a SOULAAN program.

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FRFT will provide notice of material program changes and obtain affirmative agreement where required before applying new contractual obligations.

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8. Contact

 

Questions concerning SOULAAN acknowledgement, commercial authorization, or these provisions may be submitted through the Freedmen Nation Contact Form.

For commercial licensing inquiries, select “Licensing” and identify SOULAAN in your message.