A01=Cassandra L. Newby-Alexander
A01=Evanda S. Watts-Martinez
A01=Melvin Patrick Ely
A01=Sabrina G. Watson
A01=Stephen Rockenbach
Author_Cassandra L. Newby-Alexander
Author_Evanda S. Watts-Martinez
Author_Melvin Patrick Ely
Author_Sabrina G. Watson
Author_Stephen Rockenbach
Category=JBSL1
Category=JPVH
Category=NHK
Category=NHTB
Category=WQH
Civil War
College of William & Mary
emancipation
eq_bestseller
eq_history
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
eq_society-politics
Longwood University
Norfolk State University
Richard Bland College
slavery
Virginia
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Virginia State University
Product details
- ISBN 9781913875619
- Dimensions: 210 x 254mm
- Publication Date: 23 Sep 2025
- Publisher: D Giles Ltd
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Paperback
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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.
Melvin Patrick Ely is the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Humanities, History, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA.
Cassandra L. Newby-Alexander is professor of History and endowed professor of Virginia Black History and Culture and emeritus director of the Joseph Jenkins Roberts Center at Norfolk State University.
Stephen Rockenbach is a professor of History, Interim Chair, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, and assistant Dean of CHSS for Student Affairs, Virginia State University.
Sabrina G. Watson is an instructor and doctoral candidate, Department of History and Philosophy, Virginia State University.
Evanda S. Watts-Martinez is director of Counseling Services & assistant professor of Education, co-chair, Racial Justice & Equity Task Force, Richard Bland College of William & Mary.
Cassandra L. Newby-Alexander is professor of History and endowed professor of Virginia Black History and Culture and emeritus director of the Joseph Jenkins Roberts Center at Norfolk State University.
Stephen Rockenbach is a professor of History, Interim Chair, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, and assistant Dean of CHSS for Student Affairs, Virginia State University.
Sabrina G. Watson is an instructor and doctoral candidate, Department of History and Philosophy, Virginia State University.
Evanda S. Watts-Martinez is director of Counseling Services & assistant professor of Education, co-chair, Racial Justice & Equity Task Force, Richard Bland College of William & Mary.
