Betty’s name was not a guarantee

Betty’s 1783 record

Could a name in the Book of Negroes guarantee freedom? Betty’s case, as described in the account, raises a harder question.

Betty’s 1783 record

In 1783, the Book of Negroes was part of evacuation records. Betty’s case is presented through an entry in that record.

Betty’s 1783 record

The account says a former enslaver claimed Betty, and she was returned.

Betty’s 1783 record

Her reported return shows a listing did not settle every claim. One case cannot represent every Black refugee, and the record does not tell us Betty’s own experience.

Betty’s name was not a guarantee

Explorer des sujets liés