This week, there was an article in The Caledonian Record about removing slavery from the Constitution. We definitely recommend reading the article for more information. This may come as a surprise to many because not a lot of people know that slavery is still written in. In 1777, Vermont became the first state to abolish adult slavery. However, even though slavery was “illegal”, it wasn't fully written out of the Constitution. There are still references to it that send the wrong message about African Americans. The Constitution states that no one older than 21 shall be kept as a slave unless they are legally bound to the owner or “by law for the payment of debts, damages, fines, costs, or the like.” Now, slavery has been completely abolished in Vermont. But, in today’s world, things are rapidly changing and the fight for equality is becoming stronger. This year, the Vermont government has the opportunity to vote on changing the Constitution and taking any references to slavery out. However, this raises a question. Should they make it so that the Constitution has no trace of slavery. It would make our state much more appealing to people of African American heritage. Let us know how you feel about this tough decision in the comments! Thank you! Alexander Twilight Girls, Old Stone House Museum Associates
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AuthorsGabrielle and Esme have been researching Twilight thoroughly for three years. They started off working on their Vermont History presentation and eventually ended up, more recently, presenting at Boston History Camp in Boston, Mass. Archives
December 2019
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