Dear all,
The next seminar at the Yesu Persaud Centre for Caribbean Studies at Warwick University is on Tuesday 5th March in R1.15, Ramphal Building at 5.15pm. Professor Selwyn Cudjoe (Wellesley College), will give a talk on:
"Ignorant Negroes/Tyrannical Masters: William Burnley and the Caribbean Slave Experience"
Summary: William Burnley, the biggest slave owner in Trinidad, did everything in his power to prevent the emancipation of enslaved Africans in his country. When slavery ended he was convinced that only those Africans who had "hard and tyrannical masters" were likely to benefit from emancipation. The rest, he opined, were "too ignorant to understand the real position in which they are placed." This paper examines Burnley's participation in slavery, his attempts to prevent legislation to move Africans from slavery to apprenticeship, his subterfuges to keep Africans enslaved under another form, and his plans to recruit labourers from outside the country to undercut the gains of Africans. It also examines his attempts to shape the society in his own image and likeness.
Everyone welcome. Teas & coffees available.
Regards,
David
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Dr David Lambert
Reader of Caribbean History, Department of History, University of Warwick
Director of the Yesu Persaud Centre for Caribbean Studies
Twitter: @DrDRLambert
Web-site: www.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/cas/staff/lambert
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