An Educator Event: Slavery, Abolition, and Emancipation in New York City

IN PERSON EVENT

The Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery and Schomburg Center Education cordially invites educators to a significant historical symposium concerning the institution of slavery within New York City. This converation will be also be streamed on our YouTube channel.

Distinguished historians and educators, Dr. Prithi Kanakamedala and Cynthia Copeland, alongside moderator Marquis Taylor, will provide an in-depth analysis of slavery, tracing its origins under Dutch rule through its eventual abolition. The discussion will encompass:

• The establishment of slavery under the Dutch and English regimes
• Early instances of slave insurrections
• The implementation of the Black Codes
• The rise of the abolitionist movement
• The abolition of slavery in New York City and New York State

This presentation will illuminate New York City’s critical role as a major slaveholding center and a subsequent nexus for the emancipation struggle. Attendees will explore:

• The forthcoming bicentennial anniversary on July 4, 2027, marking 200 years since the end of slavery in New York State.
• The historical designation of New York City as a "slave city."
• The notable fact that Brooklyn was the second-largest slaveholding area in the United States, second only to Charleston, South Carolina.

The event will further examine the recorded slave revolts, the extensive inter-racial abolitionist movement across the city, and New York’s essential contribution to the statewide effort to emancipate all enslaved persons.

The program begins with an introductory educators' reception from 4 PM to 5 PM, affording attendees the opportunity to meet the scholars and enjoy light refreshments. Following the reception, Dr. Kanakamedala, Ms. Copeland, and Mr. Taylor will lead the panel discussion concerning these pivotal events in New York City's history.

Space is limited! Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis (up to 300 attendees). Light refreshments will be provided for those attending. Eligible NYS teachers will receive 2 hours of CTLE credit.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED Events are free and open to all, but due to space constraints registration is requested. Registered guests are given priority check-in 15 to 30 minutes before start time. After the event starts all registered seats are released regardless of registration, so we recommend that you arrive early. We generally overbook to ensure a full house.

GUESTS Please note that holding seats in the Langston Hughes Auditorium is strictly prohibited and there is no food or drinks allowed anywhere in the Schomburg Center.

E-TRANSPORTATION NYPL policy prohibits electric transportation devices (e.g., motorbikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards) from being brought into or stored at library sites for any length of time, as this is the best way to keep our spaces & people safe.

AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING Programs are photographed and recorded by the Schomburg Center. Attending this event indicates your consent to being filmed/photographed and your consent to the use of your recorded image for any all purposes of the New York Public Library.

PRESS Please send all press inquiries (photo, video, interviews, audio-recording, etc) at least 24-hours before the day of the program to Leah Drayton at [email protected].

Please note that personal and professional video recordings are prohibited without expressed consent.

Assistive Listening and ASLASL interpretation and real-time (CART) captioning available upon request. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by emailing [email protected].

Info: Come and meet with Schomburg Education staff and our presenters.

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Host or Publisher Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture