In 1800, a literate slave known as Gabriel planned a rebellion that was to involve a march into Richmond, VA. Although the action was suppressed, it confirmed the growing outcry for justice and the volatility of the slave economy.

In partnership with the Year of Freedom Committee, the VCU Department of History, the VCU Department of African American Studies and the Library of Virginia, VCU Libraries will host a discussion by two prominent experts on the subject of this landmark in Virginia history: Dr. Michael Nicholls, Professor Emeritus of History at Utah State University and author of "Whispers of Rebellion: Narrating Gabriel’s Conspiracy," and Dr. Philip J. Schwarz, Professor Emeritus of History at VCU and author of "Gabriel's Conspiracy: A Document History." "Whispers of Rebellion" and "Gabriel's Conspiracy," both of which were recently published by the University of Virginia Press, aim to present a complete account of the rebellion. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The discussion will be moderated by Janine Yvette Bell, president and artistic director of the Elegba Folklore Society. A book sale, signing and reception will follow.

This event is free and open to the public, though registration is requested, to assist us with the planning of the event and to facilitate seating. Parking is available for a fee in the West Broad Street and West Main Street parking decks. If special accommodations are needed, or to register offline, please call (804) 828-0593 prior to March 8.

Related event

At noon on March 13, the Library of Virginia will host "Pinning Gabriel's Rebellion." Dr. Michael Nicholls, Dr. Philip Schwarz, and historian Gregg Kimball will use the website HistoryPin to trace the activities and events leading up to Gabriel's Rebellion.