"Seeing Slavery in American Children's Literature"
Paula Connolly, Professor of English, University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Once a significant tool of both anti- and pro-slavery advocates, American children’s literature has continued to encapsulate and present often vying definitions of nationhood and race. Beginning with early 1790 illustrations and ending with current controversial texts -- such as A Birthday Cake for George Washington (2016) -- this presentation will explore how visual representations of slavery have been used to educate children on issues of race in America.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Paula Connolly, Professor of English, UNC-Charlotte, is the author of Slavery in American Children's Literature, 1790-2010 and Winnie-the-Pooh and the House at Pooh Corner: Recovering Arcadia.
