Slavery

From Vermont Racial Justice Alliance:

Allies and leaders from Vermont Racial Justice Alliance and Vermont Interfaith Action hold a press conference to launch the Abolish Slavery Vermont Campaign, calling on Vermonters to vote “Yes” on Proposal 2, the constitutional amendment stating that slavery and indentured servitude are prohibited in all forms. This question will be on the ballot in November. While Vermonters and the nation have been taught for generations that the state was the first to abolish slavery we now know that that no state constitutioanlly permitted slavery before Vermont. Vermont’s constitution permits slavery of folks under age 21 and individuals bound by their own consent. The Vermont constitution has also always permitted the enslavement of those bound for payment of debts, damages, fines, costs or “the like.” Exception clauses of 25 other state constitutions and the Thirteenth Amendment have been informed by these exception clauses in the Vermont Constitution, leading to the introduction of convict leasing in the US.

The Aboilsh Slavery Vermont Campaign focusses on human rights and connects the institution of slavery to its legacy - systemic racism. Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Vermont Racial Justice Alliance and the catalyst for the amendment, stated, “Political and economic inequality along racial lines and across all society exist today because of the legacy of slavery. This amendment goes to the heart of a 245 year old crime against humanity.” It also addresses the existence of and the ongoing impact of the thirteenth amendment exception clause. The thirteenth amendment exception clause has led to prison (industry) proliferation, skyrocketing incarceration and hugely disproportionate numbers of Black Americans being locked up.

As recorded by English colonist John Rolfe, the arrival of “20 and odd” African men and women in late August 1619, was a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. These Africans were stolen by English privateers from a Spanish slave ship and brought to Point Comfort on a ship called the White Lion. African Landing Day does not celebrate the circumstances surrounding the arrival of the first Africans to our shores. The commemoration serves as a marker in history that shines a light on the incredibly powerful 402 year journey, and offers some hope in the continued struggle to dismantle the systems of oppression created by the original sin.

Vermont First African Landing Day was established by the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance to educate the public about the arrival of Africans in the United States; to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619; and, to acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination have on the United  States. It offers food, storytelling, dance, drumming, musical performances and more. Vermont First African Landing Day provides an opportunity for those who are interested to learn about the heritage, struggles and triumphs of the first Africans who were brought to the shores of what would become the United States.

Vermont First African Landing Day “2021”

This is a time for Vermont to join the global commemoration, to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619 as we reflect upon one of the historical events that forever changed what would become the United States and the planet as we know it!

firstafricanlandingvt.wordpress.com

Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and Stopping Stones presented an in-person and virtual ceremony recognizing the lives of Lavinia Parker and her child, Francis, both enslaved from 1835-1841 in Burlington, Vermont. Stopping Stones is an historical reparations endeavor designed to help you and your organization eliminate institutional racism through 1) Research, 2) Recognition, and 3) Repair.

For more information: www.stoppingstones.org or send a message to info@stoppingstones.org