A vital new volume exploring the history of Virginia's free Black population prior to emancipation.
On the eve of the Civil War, around 60,000 Black men, women and children lived free in the state of Virginia, often alongside enslaved neighbours. This volume is a history documenting the richness and variety of their lives. Although many stayed in Virginia, living, working and thriving despite serious threats to their lives, some moved north or, further still, across the Atlantic to Liberia. In studying the lives of free Black Virginians prior to emancipation, this volume explores an under-told and inspirational story of Virginia’s past.
By delving into collections across the Commonwealth, whether the records of the state or testimonies left by free Black people themselves, this new volume fills a critical gap in our understanding of Virginia’s Black history.
Contributions By
Melvin Patrick Ely - College of William & Mary
Cassandra L. Newby-Alexander - Norfolk State University
Stephen Rockenbach - Virginia State University
Sabrina G. Watson - Virginia State University
Evanda S. Watts-Martinez - College of William & Mary
In association with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
ISBN 9781913875619
176 Pages
Paperback