Would you be surprised to know that some language and racial categorizations used in America today have historical roots dating back to the 1600s? During this period, colonial laws formalized distinctions based on race, status as a free person, servant, or slave. The terminology “white” versus “English” emerged in the late 1600s as legal distinctions were primarily based on race. By the 1700s, these racial categories were further entrenched, and legal definitions were established that would evolve over time. Understanding the origins and development of these terms and laws provides essential context for exploring the complexities of race in America today. With BHS, you can learn more surprises about the evolution of race and status in early American history and its legacies.

Did you know that millions of African Americans are unknowingly related to about 5,000 brave Black patriots who fought for freedom and citizenship rights during the American Revolutionary War? Despite the contradiction between liberty and slavery, they risked everything for their country, their families, and the abolition of slavery. Sadly, their history has been largely forgotten by most Americans. Let’s explore the impact of excluding African American patriots from the origins of the United States. Throughout history, African Americans have consistently fought for freedom and full citizenship rights, even in every war. Discover more with BHS.

Did you know that many free Blacks and veteran soldiers were hopeful about their future and started using the term “African American” after the American Revolution? Even though they all wanted America to be free from British rule, things got complicated after the war. The ideas in the Declaration of Independence didn’t match up with the reality of race, slavery, and citizenship rights. These problems caused a big split in the country. But despite the obstacles, free Black Americans kept working hard to build schools, churches, and organizations to fight for freedom and citizenship rights for generations to come. Want to learn more? Check out BHS services.

Would you be surprised to know that interracial relationships and marriages were not legally forbidden in the early 1600s? Why did the Virginia legislature enact a law in 1691 to prevent male “negroes, mulattoes, and Indians” from intermarrying with English or other white women? Why was it crucial to incorporate race and genealogy into laws that prohibited and punished interracial relationships and marriages, as well as their biracial children? Was it a strategy to enforce and preserve the racial hierarchy by establishing distinctions between whites and non-whites in colonial society?

But what insights can history, genealogy, and DNA evidence provide? Understanding this history allows for a deeper appreciation of the resilience of the Virginia free Black communities and their contributions to the broader fabric of American history, ultimately challenging simplified narratives surrounding race, identity, and heritage. Explore more with Bakari Historical Services.

If you were enslaved and offered freedom, what would you do? The British Governor Dunmore issued a proclamation declaring freedom for slaves who would fight against the American patriots. But how did thousands of enslaved Black men escape and pick up firearms in service to the King of England. Why did thousands of Black women and children also escape despite the risk of capture, disease, or death? Following the British defeat, loyalists emigrated to British territories, in Canada, England, and the Caribbean. Their journey demonstrates the complex historical layers of resistance and resilience. Discover more with Bakari Historical Services.

The outcomes for these Black loyalists varied; while some found greater opportunities for freedom and self-determination, others faced challenges of racism and economic hardship in their new homes.

Was it illegal for slaves to learn to read or write? Despite popular belief, the truth is in the details. A 1768 Virginia Gazette runaway slave advertisement stated, “Charles…He is a sawyer and shoemaker by trade…said fellow reads tolerably well and is a great preacher…” It highlights the dual aspect of literacy and suggests Charles possessed valuable trade skills, and his literacy enabled him to engage in preaching.

Before the Atlantic Slave Trade, some West African societies had rich traditions of literacy, and oral traditions were equally significant in preserving histories and teachings. Discover Black literacy in early America, both spiritual and secular. Recognizing the legacy of Black literacy in early America is crucial since excluding this history can lead to a misunderstanding of African American heritage and contributions. Discover more with BHS services.

Have your audience ever wondered how and why the transatlantic slave trade evolved? Scholars estimate that over twelve million Africans were forcibly captured and transported onto European slave ships from the 1500s to the 1800s. How did the captured Africans’ labor, skills, cultural practices, and diverse religions, including Islam, Christianity, and traditional African practices, transform the Americas and how have their influences persisted in American history?

 The transatlantic slave trade had far-reaching consequences, impacting various aspects of European global wealth and power. It encompassed topics such as commerce, diplomacy, warfare, slave castles, the Middle Passage, resistance, and the distribution patterns of African ethnic groups in the colonies. BHS can provide an overview of the Atlantic Slave Trade or specific topics that resonate with your audience.

Can certain aspects of African American culture be traced back to the colonial era, specifically the 1600s and 1700s? These include music, folklore, worship, community, language, and resistance.

 Why were gatherings of Black people feared during that time? Colonial authorities were unable to prevent “meetings” of free and enslaved African-born people since the 1600s. One account revealed that slaves were “mete together upon Satterdayes & Sundayes…to consult of unlawfull p’jects &. frequent meeting of consideable numbers of negroe slaves under pretence of feasts and burial.” Another account stated “Men and women with filed teeth, plaited hair, and ritual scarification…”

Elements of daily life, such as family structures, housing arrangements, labor practices, food traditions, musical expressions, and religious beliefs, emerged as a result of necessity and resilience. Explore more with BHS services.

Did Caribbean rebellions from the 1600s to the 1800s make the slave trade and slavery dangerous for whites/Europeans? This theme explores how resistance abroad affected free and enslaved Blacks in British North America. Virginia Governor Gooch warned in 1729 that slaves “might have proved dangerous to this Country, as is that of the Negroes in Jamaica to the Inhabitants of that Island…”

The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) inspired enslaved people in the Americas, reinforcing resistance and self-determination. This prompted fear among slaveholders in the Americas, especially after the American Revolution. The ongoing fear of rebellion led to a stricter system of control and highlighted the innate desire for freedom. Learn more about how resistance movements in the Caribbean influenced the lives of free and enslaved Blacks in British North America.