Set to Mark 'Union Spy,' Virginia Combats Self-Made Myths
A historical image of the Van Lew house. (Photo: Library of Congress) Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration recently announced the state would add five new highway markers. Selected from student submitted suggestions, the new markers will tell the story of notable Black Virginians. Mary was enslaved at birth by the Van Lew family, who held as many as 21 people in slavery. Elizbeth Van Lew, the family’s daughter who went by Bet, held anti-slavery sentiments however, and arranged for Mary to be educated, later sending her to live in Liberia. “It was not unusual for white enslavers to not ...
Source: vpm.org