Not sure what you're looking for exactly, but they were certainly risking their lives and livelihoods. African-Americans weren't the only people to be lynched in the fight against racism- black and white abolitionists were at risk as well (though certainly whites to a lesser degree).
The document that served as a basis for passing laws on the Plymouth colony was called the Mayflower Compact, which was drawn up on board the Mayflower before the settlers arrived.
