In observance of Juneteenth, the Westchester County Human Right Commission, in partnership with the Larchmont/Mamaroneck Human Rights Committee, hosted a standing room only screening and panel discussion of “The Hidden History of Slavery in New York,” a ground-breaking film that dispels accepted truths about the role of the North in the Transatlantic slave trade.
The Emmy Award-winning, 30-minute documentary produced by journalist, Larry Epstein, and hosted by Rye high school student, Richard French IV, reveals New Amsterdam as a major epicenter of enslavement and explains how Wall Street operated as the largest slave market in the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Following the film was a lively discussion and Q & A fielded by a diverse panel of experts including Westchester County Human Rights Commission Executive Director, Tejash Sanchala; Village of Ossining historian, author and genealogical researcher, Joyce Sharrock Cole; the film’s producer, Larry Epstein and Historic Hudson Valley Vice President of Programs and Engagement, Betsy Bradley.
Sanchala said: “Educational events like this are so important for understanding where we were and where we are now. Westchester was both a place where people were enslaved and a place where people fought slavery. The same County that housed major slaveholding estates later became home to Underground Railroad routes, abolitionist churches, Quaker activists and the birthplace of a pioneering Human Rights Law.”
Cole said: “I’m honored to be part of this conversation. As we approach Juneteenth and New York State’s Abolition Commemoration Day next month, this is a timely opportunity to reflect on a history that shaped our state and nation. As a historian and a descendant of those impacted by enslavement, I am grateful for the opportunity to help highlight and share these important stories.”
Epstein said: “I’m so excited to have had the opportunity present ‘The Hidden History of Slavery in New York’ in Mamaroneck. As we commemorate Juneteenth and celebrate our County’s 250th birthday, I think it’s more important than ever to remember the dark chapters in our shared history, as well as our triumphs and exceptional accomplishments.”
Bradley said: “As we observe Juneteenth, it’s an honor to participate in Westchester County’s panel on the important and often-hidden history of slavery in our region. I’m glad to share Historic Hudson Valley’s more than two decades of work on this subject at my hometown library.”
