In the Shadow of Slavery: African Americans in New York City, 1626-1863

In the Shadow of Slavery is a new edition of a classic work that reveals the little-known history of African Americans in New York City before Emancipation. It explores the impact of African Americans on class distinctions, politics, and community formation, and includes an afterword by the author addressing subsequent research and the ongoing arguments over how slavery and its legacy should be taught, memorialized, and acknowledged by governments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In the Shadow of Slavery: Unveiling the Hidden History of African Americans in New York City Before Emancipation

The popular narrative surrounding slavery in America often overlooks its profound impact in the North. However, cities like New York City were not only built by but also became the homes of tens of thousands of enslaved African Americans. These individuals, many of whom would transition to freedom after Emancipation, played a significant role in shaping the social, political, and cultural landscape of the city.

In her groundbreaking work, In the Shadow of Slavery: Unveiling the Hidden History of African Americans in New York City Before Emancipation, Leslie M. Harris delves into the rich tapestry of African American history in the Big Apple. Drawing upon a wide range of sources, including travel accounts, autobiographies, newspapers, literature, and organizational records, Harris expands upon previous studies of racial discrimination. Through vivid portraits of the lives and aspirations of countless black New Yorkers, she traces the undeniable impact of African Americans on class distinctions, politics, and community formation.

This new edition of In the Shadow of Slavery includes an afterword by the author, addressing subsequent research and the ongoing debates surrounding how slavery and its legacy should be taught, memorialized, and acknowledged by governments. Harris's work serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of American history, shedding light on the experiences and contributions of African Americans in a city that played a pivotal role in their journey toward freedom and equality.

In conclusion, In the Shadow of Slavery is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the history of African Americans in New York City before Emancipation. By delving into a wealth of sources and presenting vivid portraits of the lives and aspirations of black New Yorkers, Harris sheds light on the profound impact of slavery and its legacy on the city's social, political, and cultural landscape. This new edition, with its afterword, provides valuable insights into ongoing debates and encourages further exploration of this important chapter in American history.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226824871
Edition number: First Edition, Enlarged