Lunchtime Lecture: The Emancipation Generation’s Struggle for Black Literacy

During and after the Civil War, freed people sought access to education, started their own schools, and recruited teachers. Thousands of educators responded despite violent opposition from much of southern white society. Many came from Central New York. Drawing on his book, “Schooling the Freed People: Teaching, Learning, and the Struggle for Black Freedom,” Dr. Ronald Butchart, Distinguished Research Professor, Emeritus at University of Georgia, explores the motivations and experiences of these transplanted teachers. This event will take place at the SHM Event Center (Barn) and is FREE and open to the public.