I do a lot of public speaking about Prudence Crandall across the state, and I am surprised how many Connecticut citizens don’t know about our official heroine.
During Women’s History Month in March, I am issuing a statewide challenge for students, teachers and adults to devote at least 15 minutes to go online or to their libraries and study her life and legacy. In a day and age in which we need good, godly role models, Crandall qualifies. I think citizens will be inspired by her conviction, faith, courage and willingness to sacrifice and stand against racism and slavery in a non-violent, principled way.
The Black Law, which the state legislature passed to try to stop what Crandall was doing, and the subsequent Crandall v. Connecticut trial, were catalysts for the formation of anti-slavery societies across the state. Crandall v. Connecticut became the first “full throttle” civil rights case in U.S. history, impacting two U.S. Supreme Court decisions, Dred Scott. v. Sandford and Brown v. Board of Education, Topeka. This case also laid the framework for the 14th Amendment (Equal Protection) to the U.S. Constitution, granting full rights of citizenship for Blacks.
Crandall’s example inspired and influenced many of her students to embrace the abolitionist cause and enrich the lives of Blacks in the United States and Canada.
Eventually, she was vindicated for standing on principle. The Black Law was repealed, and both the Town of Canterbury and the Connecticut Legislature apologized. Her name was cleared and she was given a stipend of $400 a year.
During Women’s History Month, I suggest that Connecticut residents read Crandall’s biography on the CT Women’s Hall of Fame website, and visit the Prudence Crandall Museum webpage.
The recently renovated Prudence Crandall Museum in Canterbury will be opening in May for appointment-only tours, and I encourage you to schedule one. I am also available to share my free presentation on the Life and Legacy of Prudence Crandall at upcoming events.
Drew Crandall, a distant relative of Prudence Crandall, lives in Vernon.