About

In 1776, the United States declared independence from British rule, celebrating liberty and self-determination. Yet, for enslaved Africans and free Black people, this freedom did not apply. Throughout American history, Black people have navigated this contradiction and for over 250 years, descendants of the African diaspora in America have pushed the nation to live up to its founding ideals. Each section of the exhibition explores an aspect of Black life in Virginia. Subject areas include how freedom is defined, the influence and engagement of Black Virginians in banking and the military,
and the importance of education in the fight for freedom. A special section highlighting the impact of several Black Virginia families provides personal perspective on the broader story of Virginia’s Black people. This exhibition invites visitors to consider: When freedom is compromised, what does it truly mean and who gets to claim it?