Michelle Boyer answers “when and how was it determined that Belle...”

Hillsullivan asked this question about The Personal Librarian:

when and how was it determined that Belle was black?

Michelle Boyer In the novel, in the first few pages the parents are arguing over the census. The father is upset that the mother marked 'white' on the Census when th…moreIn the novel, in the first few pages the parents are arguing over the census. The father is upset that the mother marked 'white' on the Census when the family has black heritage. Thus, Belle has black heritage.

In reality, I know that the Morgan Library openly discusses Belle's heritage. (https://www.themorgan.org/belle-greene) Her father was the first Black graduate of Harvard College. But the family (once the father left) would continue to 'pass' as white. (less)

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