Summary:
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.
One of the contributors of this title is Dr. Evanda S. Watts-Martinez who is director of Counseling Services and assistant professor of Education at Richard Bland College of William & Mary, VA.
More Information:
This is was created in conjunction wit the exhibit at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture; Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865. This exhibit will be on display from June 14,2025 to July 4, 2027.
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