BLACK HISTORY: Black-owned farms in the Bronx in the 1800s by Dr. J. Keith Doherty

Dr. J. Keith Doherty, former professor of History and Art History at Boston University who now is a researcher/ educator at the Philipse Manor Hall in Yonker, N.Y., marks Black History Month with a look at land ownership by Black farmers in the Bronx in the early 1800s. This is a crucial topic that few people know much about.While there are several important reasons for focusing on Black life in rural areas in the early 1800s, Doherty points to censuses from that period that show that about four-fifths of the Black population in the New York States lived OUTSIDE of Manhattan. So, by ignoring the rural situation, he notes that history ignores the vast majority of the population.Doherty says that distinguishing characteristics of Black farmers were that they were courageous, ambitious,eager to fulfil the promise of abolition. He notes they found a way to adapt in a hostile situation.Well, I think they must have been extremely courageous, he says. I cant imagine trying to establish yourself as a businessman, being Black at that time. It must have beenextremely intimidating and difficult. But they did it.Doherty says his primary source is the Census Bureaus Historical Statistics of the United States, Colonial Times to 1970 (Bicentennial Edition), chapter K.Other statistics quoted during the discussion were from the U.S. Census of Agriculture.Listeners dont miss this opportunity to learn some important information about Black History!!Doherty lectures extensively on this topic as an educator at the Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers, N.Y and also as a Board member of the Hastings Historical Society, located within the Van Cortlandt House Museum. Here are two ways to keep track of his work:https://www.facebook.com/VCHMNYChttps://www.facebook.com/PhilipseManorHallSHSTo reach Doherty, his email is: [email protected] new book is The Post-Baker House in Hastings: Home of Hastings Own Revolutionary War Hero. In addition, he has been authoring short studies on significant properties across Westchester County for several years under the aegis of Historic Homes of New York LLCEmunah listeners we would love to hear your comments,reactions and questions. Email Women of the Word at [email protected]. Or provide a testimony on our website: https://wordconsultingllc.com.Please note that the theme song for Emunah (Hebrew for faith, belief), "Hold to Your Faith," was written, sung and produced by Apostle Victoria Regina Lockhart of Jersey City, New Jersey. Other work by Apostle Lockhart can be found on YouTube.