RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – Library of Virginia editors John G. Deal and Marianne E. Julienne and historian Brent Tarter have been awarded this year’s Richard Slatten Award for Excellence in Virginia Biography from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture for their book “Justice for Ourselves: Black Virginians Claim Their Freedom After Slavery.”

Published by the University of Virginia Press in association with the Library of Virginia in 2024, the book presents a new look at the Black Virginians who defined and realized their freedom after the collapse of slavery. Drawing on the life stories of individuals from all regions of the state, “Justice for Ourselves” recounts their quests to attain full American citizenship and economic independence before the onset of Jim Crow repression. 

The book is based on extensive primary source research, much from the Library's vast collections, into the lives of political leaders, teachers, clergymen, journalists and entrepreneurs, as well as untapped surviving records of ordinary people and their life experiences. 

The Richard Slatten Award was established by the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in 1997, thanks to a generous bequest, to recognize excellence in the field of Virginia Biography. The prize honors the work from the previous year that made the most significant contribution to biographical study and includes a cash award of $1,000.

“Justice for Ourselves” can be purchased from the Virginia Shop at the Library.

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ABOUT THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA

The Library of Virginia is the leading source of information on Virginia’s history, government and people. The Library’s collections, containing more than 134 million items, document and illustrate the lives of both famous Virginians and ordinary citizens. Our online resources draw nearly 2 million website visits per year, and our on- site records, exhibitions and events bring in thousands of visitors annually. The Library is located in downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Learn more at www.lva.virginia.gov.