Virginia Criminal Code, 1847

"Any white person who shall assemble with slaves, [or] free Negros ... for the purpose of

instructing them to read or write ... shall be punished by confinement in the jail ... and by

fine ... "

What does this law reveal about African Americans' access to education in mid-nineteenth

century Virginia?

Question

Bullock

History

18 December, 07:23

Virginia Criminal Code, 1847

"Any white person who shall assemble with slaves, [or] free Negros ... for the purpose of

instructing them to read or write ... shall be punished by confinement in the jail ... and by

fine ... "

What does this law reveal about African Americans' access to education in mid-nineteenth

century Virginia?

+3

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Vaughn Mcgee · Answer 1

Education was very limited for African Americans during that time frame.

Explanation:

This law made it illegal for white people to teach African Americans to read or write, and since very very few of them knew how, and white people were not allowed to teach them, almost none of them received an education.