Justice for Ourselves.
“Justice for Ourselves” At Library of Virginia
06.2024
Library of Virginia celebrates the publication of “Justice for Ourselves: Black Virginians Claim Their Freedom After Slavery” with a reception, author talk and book signing on June 20
The Library of Virginia will present a reception, author talk and book signing on Thursday, June 20 to celebrate the launch of “Justice for Ourselves: Black Virginians Claim Their Freedom After Slavery,” a new book from Library of Virginia historians that sheds light on Black Virginians who defined and realized their freedom after slavery. The free event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Library’s Lecture Hall.
This work from John G. Deal, Marianne E. Julienne and Brent Tarter, editors of the Library of Virginia's “Dictionary of Virginia Biography” ongoing biographical reference resource, tells the story of remarkable men and women in the post–Civil War decades who persevered in the face of withering barriers to create a new world for themselves and subsequent generations. Published earlier this month by the University of Virginia Press, the book will be available for purchase during the event.
During the talk, the authors will be joined in a conversation with U.S. Representative Jennifer McClellan, the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress, who wrote the book’s foreword; and National Park Service Supervisory Park Ranger Ajena Cason Rogers, who contributed the afterword. Rogers is a descendant of James A. Fields, one of the early Black legislators whose stories are featured.
The book explores Black voices from across the state, including well-known Virginians like banker and civil rights advocate Maggie Lena Walker, and crusading newspaper editor John Mitchell Jr. The book also includes stories of less-familiar, but significant, individuals such as Lucy G. Brooks, who founded an orphanage for children who had been separated from their parents during slavery; dentist and Republican leader Thomas Bayne; and state senator James William D. Bland, who sponsored the legislation to incorporate Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now known as Hampton University).
“Virginia's people are its history,” said author Marianne E. Julienne, “and these diverse and fascinating life stories are at the heart of the book.”
“Justice for Ourselves” is based on extensive primary source research, much from the Library's vast collections, into the lives of political leaders, teachers, clergymen, journalists and entrepreneurs, as well as untapped surviving records of ordinary people and their life experiences.
“By broadening the definition of who — and what — is important, these stories
have reshaped the narrative of Virginia's history,” John G. Deal said.
The event kicks off with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the talk at 6:30 p.m. and a book signing at 7:30 p.m.
Registration is required at https://lva-virginia.libcal.com/event/12456579.
Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219