uncovering the hidden history of slavery and freedom in brookline
Early colonists forced the Wampanoag off the land.
Slavery in Brookline became common, ordinary and brutal.
Against steep odds, enslaved people found ways to assert their humanity; a few self-emancipated.
When slavery ended, the struggle for justice continued.
New leaders arose.
Florida Ruffin Ridley was one of them. A school is now named in her honor.
Our goal is to build public understanding of the history of slavery and of freedom in Brookline. Established in 2006, the Hidden Brookline Committee brings together people who want to work on existing projects or create new programming.
Hidden Brookline serves under the Town’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations. We often partner with other Brookline organizations. Barbara Brown, Ph.D., founded and chairs the Committee and has carried out most of its research.
Slavery in Brookline became common, ordinary and brutal.
Against steep odds, enslaved people found ways to assert their humanity; a few self-emancipated.
When slavery ended, the struggle for justice continued.
New leaders arose.
Florida Ruffin Ridley was one of them. A school is now named in her honor.
Our goal is to build public understanding of the history of slavery and of freedom in Brookline. Established in 2006, the Hidden Brookline Committee brings together people who want to work on existing projects or create new programming.
Hidden Brookline serves under the Town’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations. We often partner with other Brookline organizations. Barbara Brown, Ph.D., founded and chairs the Committee and has carried out most of its research.
