Free Blacks in Norfolk, Virginia, 1790-1860: The Darker Side of Freedom (Carter G. Woodson Institute Series in Black Studies) [Hardcover]

Tommy L. Bogger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1997 | Series: Carter G. Woodson Institute Series in Black Studies

dicusses the active roles that blacks played in creating their community

Product Details

• Hardcover: 254 pages
• Publisher: Bibliographical Society of University of Virg (February 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813916909
• ISBN-13: 978-0813916903
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,451,468 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Second Time Around, July 28, 2005

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R. DelParto "Rose2" (Virginia Beach, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Free Blacks in Norfolk, Virginia, 1790-1860: The Darker Side of Freedom (Carter G. Woodson Institute Series in Black Studies) (Hardcover)

Just when you think a topic is not worth pursuing, a little light bulb comes on that pushes one to take the next step. Free Blacks in Norfolk Virginia 1790-1860: The Darker Side of Freedom examines social history with respect to free slaves. Tommy L. Bogger offers a different kind of scholarship, which involves manumission, slaves paying their way to freedom. Bogger continues research on the issue of post-slavery before the Civil War that scholars neglected in the past. As the subtitle states, "The Darker Side of Freedom", is indeed a true fallacy that Bogger emphasizes throughout the book that involves remnants of enslavement and the lack of opportunity that remained prevalent for those who attempted to live and financially prosper in the city of Norfolk. Literally, they lived in the "shadows" from their white neighbors despite the fact that they were skilled and educated workers. Bogger goes through the evolution of change for Blacks in Norfolk from vibrant optimism to a sense of letdown. For the most part, they too experienced the economic woes that occurred in the city and the influx of European immigrants arriving in the United States who wanted to start a new life as well. Ironically, this dilemma eventually led them to flee the North or further to the South to pursue a better life where they could build and actively participate in communities of their own, which would also contribute to American society as a whole.

The concluding chapters presents much insight to the dwindling situation that Blacks experienced during the nineteenth century. Bogger shows how death and disillusionment took a toll amongst Blacks, and to add to their uncompromising situations, the Yellow Fever epidemic in 1855 occurred, which left thousands dead. However, what is so surprising is that less Blacks died from the disease because their access to free vaccinations.

Overall, Free Blacks in Norfolk is well researched and documented. Bogger takes much of his accounts from unbiased court documents, but it would have been more helpful if there were more authentic voices within his narrative.