LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Book Of Negroes

The Book of Negroes is the book of the former slaves who worked and fought on the side of the Loyalists, who were transported from the colon ies by the British to Nova Scotia after the war for independence.  This list of names was compiled the British authorities, particularly one fellow in New York City, to counter the Patriots attempting to re-claim their 'property' who had taken the opportunity of freedom promised by the Brits by joining them.

This significant, primary document of the history of people of color in the War of Independence is complete, online now, here.  Just a very short time ago a researcher had to travel to the archives outside of the U.S. where the original, and copies, are stored.
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