Enslavement

In the institution’s first decades, operations relied heavily on the forced labor of enslaved persons leased by the institution. Enslaved persons were a constant presence at the Dunlora education center that laid the groundwork for the institution’s 1832 formation, and on the two early campuses: Spring Farm and the “Columbia” location at what is now Broad and Grace Streets. Using the “slave hire” system, the institution leased individuals from their enslavers, including Robert Ryland. Enslavement also contributed to the wealth of many of the institution’s leaders and donors.

This section includes findings of recent research about the involvement of the institution and its leaders in enslavement; the role of enslaved labor at the institution; the stories and names of individual enslaved persons recovered through the research; and the institution’s ties to First African Baptist Church and its large congregation of enslaved and free Black members.

Enslavement and The Institution

Enslavement in the Early Years
1832
-
1840
Enslavement in the Early Years
1832
-
-
1840
present
Enslavement at Richmond College
1840
-
1861
Enslavement at Richmond College
1840
-
-
1861
present
forthcoming in a future phase
Individuals Enslaved and Held by the Institution and its Leaders
-
Individuals Enslaved and Held by the Institution and its Leaders
-
-
present
Forthcoming in a future phase

Enslavement and Institutional Leaders

Jeremiah Bell Jeter, Enslavement and Race
-
Jeremiah Bell Jeter, Enslavement and Race
-
-
present
Robert Ryland and Enslavement
-
Robert Ryland and Enslavement
-
-
present
James Thomas, Jr. and Enslavement
-
James Thomas, Jr. and Enslavement
-
-
present
Bennet Puryear, Enslavement & Race
-
Bennet Puryear, Enslavement & Race
-
-
present
Sarah W. Brunet & Enslavement
-
Sarah W. Brunet & Enslavement
-
-
present

Beyond the Institution

First African Baptist Church
-
First African Baptist Church
-
-
present
Enslavement in Richmond and the Region
1830
-
1865
Enslavement in Richmond and the Region
1830
-
-
1865
present
Forthcoming in a future phase