First Fruits of Freedom
The Migration of Former Slaves and Their Search for Equality in Worcester, Massachusetts, 1862-1900
By Janette Thomas Greenwood | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
About the book
A moving narrative that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of African American men, women, and children on the cusp of freedom, First Fruits of Freedom chronicles one of the first collective migrations of blacks from the South to the North during and after the Civil War.
Janette Thomas Greenwood relates the history of a network forged between Worcester County, Massachusetts, and eastern North Carolina as a result of Worcester regiments taking control of northeastern North Carolina during the war. White soldiers from Worcester, a hotbed of abolitionism, protected refugee slaves, set up schools for them, and led them north at war’s end. White patrons and a supportive black community helped many migrants fulfill their aspirations for complete emancipation and facilitated the arrival of additional family members and friends. Migrants established a small black community in Worcester with a distinctive southern flavor.
But even in the North, white sympathy did not continue after the Civil War. Despite their many efforts, black Worcesterites were generally disappointed in their hopes for full-fledged citizenship, reflecting the larger national trajectory of Reconstruction and its aftermath.
Editions of First Fruits of Freedom
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807833629
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807871041
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807895788
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469604275
- EBook
- ISBN 9798893131093
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890870759
Read an Excerpt
A moving narrative that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of African American men, women, and children on the cusp of freedom, First Fruits of Freedom chronicles one of the first collective migrations of blacks from the South to the North during and after the Civil War.
Janette Thomas Greenwood relates the history of a network forged between Worcester County, Massachusetts, and eastern North Carolina as a result of Worcester regiments taking control of northeastern North Carolina during the war. White soldiers from Worcester, a hotbed of abolitionism, protected refugee slaves, set up schools for them, and led them north at war’s end. White patrons and a supportive black community helped many migrants fulfill their aspirations for complete emancipation and facilitated the arrival of additional family members and friends. Migrants established a small black community in Worcester with a distinctive southern flavor.
But even in the North, white sympathy did not continue after the Civil War. Despite their many efforts, black Worcesterites were generally disappointed in their hopes for full-fledged citizenship, reflecting the larger national trajectory of Reconstruction and its aftermath.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is First Fruits of Freedom about?
A moving narrative that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of African American men, women, and children on the cusp of freedom, First Fruits of Freedom chronicles one of the first collective migrations of blacks from the South to the North during and after the Civil War.
Janette Thomas Greenwood relates the history of a network forged between Worcester County, Massachusetts, and eastern North Carolina as a result of Worcester regiments taking control of northeastern North Carolina during the war. White soldiers from Worcester, a hotbed of abolitionism, protected refugee slaves, set up schools for them, and led them north at war’s end. White patrons and a supportive black community helped many migrants fulfill their aspirations for complete emancipation and facilitated the arrival of additional family members and friends. Migrants established a small black community in Worcester with a distinctive southern flavor.
But even in the North, white sympathy did not continue after the Civil War. Despite their many efforts, black Worcesterites were generally disappointed in their hopes for full-fledged citizenship, reflecting the larger national trajectory of Reconstruction and its aftermath.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in First Fruits of Freedom?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Ethnic studies / Ethnicity
Where can I read a sample of First Fruits of Freedom?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807833629
How long is First Fruits of Freedom and how many pages does it have?
First Fruits of Freedom has 256 page(s)
Is First Fruits of Freedom part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series The John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture
Who is/are the Author/s of the book First Fruits of Freedom?
Janette Thomas Greenwood
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
First Fruits of Freedom is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807833629) and paperback(ISBN 9780807871041) and ebook(ISBN 9780807895788) and ebook(ISBN 9781469604275) and ebook(ISBN 9798893131093) and pdf(ISBN 9798890870759)
Where can I buy First Fruits of Freedom online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy First Fruits of Freedom from below
Where can I buy First Fruits of Freedom?