The Stono Rebellion, also known as Cato's Conspiracy, was a significant slave rebellion that took place on September 9, 1739, in the colony of South Carolina. The rebellion was led by a literate slave named Jemmy, who was believed to be from the Kingdom of Kongo in West Africa.

During the rebellion, a group of about 20 enslaved Africans gathered near the Stono River and began marching south towards Spanish Florida, where they hoped to find freedom. Along the way, they killed several white plantation owners and gathered more supporters. The rebels also chanted "Liberty!" and carried banners that read "Liberty!"

The rebellion was ultimately suppressed by local militia and the rebels were either killed in battle or captured and executed. In the aftermath of the Stono Rebellion, the South Carolina legislature passed the Negro Act of 1740, which imposed harsher restrictions on enslaved Africans, including restrictions on literacy, assembly, and movement.

The Stono Rebellion is significant in Black history as one of the largest and most successful slave revolts in the American colonies. It served as a stark reminder to slave owners of the potential for resistance and rebellion among the enslaved population. The rebellion also led to increased fears of slave uprisings and stricter slave codes in the Southern colonies.