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Happy belated 4th of July Kevin. Your article is a must read for any day of the year. I remember reading David Blight’s words when preparing to give a class on Douglass’s 4th of July oration to my freshman and sophomores. Thank you for the way that you presented this today. Next Spring when I teach a new class I will remember how you presented this today. Thank you.

Steve

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Happy 4th of July Kevin. Spending a quiet day after many years marching in our town parade with the volunteer fire company.

I have a question. Are there any books written about the free blacks in the north? There is a lot about the slave life ( actually lack of a true life) but I have not seen any about non slaves.

Thanks,

Mike

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Hope you have a great day.

A great place to start with is Steven Kantrowitz's book, *More Than Freedom,* which focuses on Boston, but it will certainly give you a good sense of the lives of free Blacks in one urban setting. Hope that helps.

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Kevin, I have read the book. Very interesting and informative. Thanks much for the recommendation. I was not aware of the many internal conflicts within the black community at the time on the paths forward on abolition.

Mike

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Thanks

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Happy Independence Day, Kevin!

I always celebrate with music - either various songs from 1776, or the rendition of The Battlecry of Freedom, by Committed.

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Thank you. Have a great day.

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