History
We start by tracing the early experience of African Americans in 1619 and overview how racial views from Europe influenced the early structures of governance from the colonies through the founding of the United States to the end of the nineteenth century.
We begin with the arrival of the first African slaves on the North American shores in 1619 and conclude with the resurgence of white supremacy in 2019. While the history section is, for now, complete, we will continuously update the website. The story does not end in 2019.
We hope this historical overview is a first step toward creating a more just and democratic society. As communities organize to advocate for more economic opportunity, community-based policing, and fair access to health care and education, we all benefit from understanding the systems that contributed to the inequalities and biases experienced today.
1619 - 1623: Labor Hierarchies in the "New" World
From the beginning of the English colonies in the New World, the division between free and unfree labor was clear.
1630: Western Notions of the "Black Race"
The almost casual shift from poor white laborers to enslaved Black laborers came from deeply entrenched Western ideas that perceived Black skin as inferior to white.
1639: “Act for the Liberties of the People”
As the economy grew and white merchants, plantation owners, and other businessmen became dependent on this “free” labor source, they looked for ways to legally enshrine and protect it.
1662: Racial Chattel Slavery - Permanent and Inheritable
As the African slave population increased, slave laws adapted to ensure the continuation of the institution.
1663: Slavery is Legalized
Labor hierarchies, racist ideas and actions converged in the legalization of slavery in Maryland in 1663 when the General Assembly passed the “Act Concerning Negroes and Other Slaves.”