Black Davidsonians in the 19th Century

Read about the experiences of black Davidsonians in the 19th century by topic.

• Enslavement:
  • Daily life for enslaved individuals, social barriers, and Emancipation in Davidson. 
• On Davidson’s Campus:
  • Enslaved labor and Davidson’s college’s foundation and construction, on-campus regulations for black Davidsonians, “College Servants”, and black women’s relationship with the college.
• Religious Life:
  • Religious life pre-Emancipation, the first black congregations and churches in Davidson, college sponsored Sabbath Schools for black Davidsonians.
• Education:
  • Education available to black Davidsonians pre- and post-Emancipation and the first black schools in Davidson.
• Violent Incidents:
  • Accounts describing discriminatory incidents and racially motivated violence in Davidson.