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The American Revolution and the Pursuit of Happiness in the African Diaspora with Dr. Richard Bell

The American Revolution and the Pursuit of Happiness in the African Diaspora with Dr. Richard Bell


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During the American Revolutionary War, the British military made big promises to enslaved Americans. In return for taking up arms against the patriots, enslaved people won pledges from British commanders that they would free them when Britain won the war. So, what happened when Britain instead lost? This talk with University of Maryland historian Richard Bell explores these Black fugitives’ extraordinary odyssey through what was left of Britain’s global empire after 1783 to examine the ways they tried to pursue happiness and forge an African American diaspora.

Dr. Richard Bell is Professor of History at the University of Maryland. He holds a PhD from Harvard University and has won more than a dozen teaching awards, including the University System of Maryland Board of Regents Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has held major research fellowships at Yale, Cambridge, the Library of Congress and is the recipient of the Andrew Carnegie Fellowship and the National Endowment of the Humanities Public Scholar Award. Professor Bell is author of the new book "Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and their Astonishing Odyssey Home," which was shortlisted for the George Washington Prize and the Harriet Tubman Prize.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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Bonnie Gale (Briarcliff Manor, US)
Another excellent lecture by Dr. Bell

I have not missed a lecture by Dr. Bell since early in the pandemic and I am a much smarter person from having listened to him. This lecture was especially interesting dealing with a topic I knew nothing about and presenting the personal story of one man. Fascinating and so well done

A
A. (Charlotte, US)

Guest did not leave comment

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
100%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
Bonnie Gale (Briarcliff Manor, US)
Another excellent lecture by Dr. Bell

I have not missed a lecture by Dr. Bell since early in the pandemic and I am a much smarter person from having listened to him. This lecture was especially interesting dealing with a topic I knew nothing about and presenting the personal story of one man. Fascinating and so well done

A
A. (Charlotte, US)

Guest did not leave comment