1776 to 1876:
The Long Journey of African Americans & the Elusive Promise of Equality
Through the lens of America’s first century, look through the eyes of Dutchess County Men, Women & Children of Color
Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 pm by Zoom
On Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 pm, Bill Jeffway, Executive Director of the Dutchess County Historical Society and member of the research committee of Celebrating the African Spirit, will examine the personal stories of the men, women and children of color in Dutchess County in the context of the 1776 American Revolution. We will examine the choices they faced, and better understand why five times as many men of color joined the British in combat roles rather than choosing the American Patriot cause. We will examine the long, difficult, journeys of local men, women and even children, to establish the full legal promise of equality established in the Declaration of Independence. Our yardstick is America’s first century, which saw extraordinary advances after America’s deadliest war, the Civil War, but also offered the first of what would be many significant cracks in that promise in 1876.
The Dutchess County Historical Society is grateful for the support and sponsorship of the Dutchess County Government each Black History Month, and the extraordinary Poughkeepsie-based Celebrating the African Spirit.
By Zoom only. RSVP required.
