February is Black History month. As invaluable as this month is for instructing students on contributions of notable black personalities, there are millions of others that students are not exposed to. South Carolina and the Institution of Slavery (1619-1866): From Forced Importation to Quasi-Emancipation covers the life experiences of slaves of African descent who labored and lived on plantations in South Carolina from the colonial to the antebellum period. Through her research, Margaret L. Leverette, B.A., M.ED. has encountered the narratives and personalities of fugitives and slaves, their never-ending struggle for freedom, their culture, and daring adventures.
Additionally, readers will learn that African slaves participated in all major wars. In the Civil War, for example, South Carolina slaves formed militias for the precise purpose of securing their freedom from bondage. Young African-American males would be proud of their heritage, knowing that their African ancestors fought valiantly during the Civil War. Many of these slaves died for their country and were granted the Medal of Honor for their bravery.
It is a fact that teachers of American history find it difficult to teach or talk about the institution of slavery. However, one cannot teach South Carolinian or American history without talking about slavery. Using this book in connection with creative activities will garner student participation and critical thinking skills. All races and nationalities of people are motivated by the lives of heroes and heroines of any demographic background.
About the Author
Margaret L. Leverette, B.A., M.ED. is a retired public school teacher with thirty years of teaching experience on the Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Education levels.
As a child, Leverette attended segregated schools and observed that books about American history were "missing some pages." Of African ancestry and a native of South Carolina, Leverette decided to fill in these "missing pages" by answering the questions she and many others of various cultural and racial backgrounds have.
Leverette is a life-long learner who loves researching and writing on a wide array of topics. She is the mother of two grown children and the grandmother of four. She is a member of the Baptist Church.
