Dr. Amani Whitfield holding a 1783 bill of sale for an enslaved woman named Rose at UVM's Special Collections.Photo by Glenn Russell.
Slavery and Vermonts constitutionVermonts constitution was the first to outlaw slavery, a fact often taught in Vermont schools and a point of pride for many Vermonters. In reality, slavery continued in the state for decades after being outlawed in 1777. This is the subject ofThe Problem of Slavery in Early Vermont, 1777-1810by Dr. Harvey Amani Whitfield, Professor of history at UVM which examines how slavery illegally continued in Vermont during this period. InThe Power of Erasure: Reflections on Civil War, Race, and Growing Up White in Vermont, historian Elise A. Guyette discusses Vermonts history of institutional racism and asks why Vermonters neglect the discussion. This history of racism in Vermont is also examined by historian John M. Lovejoy in the article,Racism in Antebellum Vermont.Read historian Mark Bushnell's article one of the most famous racially motivated incidents in Vermont inthis columnand author Bill Schubart reflects on Vermonts troubled history with racism,here.
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Vermont Research News: Racism and social justice in Vermont - Vermont Biz
