Venture Smith was enslaved when he was just a boy. He was eventually able to buy his freedom and the freedom of his family. His iconic story of will, perseverance and strength, is central to Connecticut’s history.

This hour, we dive into to the biography of Venture Smith and the history of slavery here in Connecticut.  

Connecticut Historian and Connecticut Explored publisher Elizabeth Norman joins us to answer our questions and yours. Later, we talk about the importance of teaching African American and Latino history in the classroom, and what Connecticut lawmakers are doing to make sure it is taught.

We want to hear from you.

GUESTS:

• Elizabeth Normen - publisher of Connecticut Explored. She is also the author of Venture Smith’s Colonial Connecticut. 
• Dr. Benjamin Foster - adjunct faculty member at CCSU teaching African American studies and religion.