Behind “To Make The Slave Anew”: The Editing Process and The Unpacking of Art in the Antebellum South – UROP Spring Symposium 2021

Behind “To Make The Slave Anew”: The Editing Process and The Unpacking of Art in the Antebellum South

N’Dea Shelton

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Pronouns: She/Her

Research Mentor(s): Jason Young, Associate Professor of History
Research Mentor School/College/Department: History, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 4 (2pm-2:50pm)
Breakout Room: Room 1
Presenter: 4

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Abstract

The Antebellum South was a place riddled with change but also so many who wanted to hold onto the past they believed themselves the preservers of. White Southerners took their job of preservation, especially of the slave and plantation culture, extremely seriously and their were several avenues of preservation ranging from full traveling choirs to full on changes in the functioning of everyday life for African Americans. In working with Dr.Young this semester on his book, I have learned so much about these representations and the part that interested me the most was the art and this depiction of the plantation south. What was included and excluded and what symbolism did that hold? Who wanted these pieces in their homes and how did this impact the progression of African Americans. My presentation will address these questions and many others as we dive into Dr.Young’s writing and unpack these questions as well as discuss the process of getting to work on such a project.

Authors: N’Dea Shelton
Research Method: Library/Archival/Internet Research

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