The decision made it clear that a majority of the Court saw the act as protected expression under the First Amendment. ... Johnson appealed his conviction, claiming First Amendment protection, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stated that Johnson's speech was symbolic and ruled in his favor.
Traders exchanged gold for something the West Africans prized even more: salt. Salt was used as a flavoring, a food preservative, and as today, a means of retaining body moisture.
