In 1925, Historian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson published a report that he stated was expensive to publish and difficult to compile. Yet, he did it.
“The aim of this report, like that on Free Negro Owners of Slaves in the
United States in 1830, is to promote the further study of a neglected aspect
of our history. As stated elsewhere, most of these free Negroes “have
been forgotten, for persons supposedly well-informed in history are surprised to learn today that about a half million, almost one-seventh of the
Negroes of this country, were free prior to the emancipation in 1865. It is
hardly believed that a considerable number of Negroes were owners of
slaves themselves, and in some cases controlled large plantations.”
As the second Black man to receive a degree from Harvard University, he also became a dean in the school. He was a journalist and well published author, including the historic, standalone read, The Mis-education of the Negro.
Read the report by clicking on the link and downloading the 50+ page document derived from the 1830 U.S. Census. You may find your ancestors in the records.
Enjoy your Freebie Friday!