Vermont : Freedom And Unity

Vermont is a state in the United States. Vermont is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States and comprises 9,614 square miles (24,900 km2), making it the 45th-largest state. It is the only state that does not have any buildings taller than 124 feet (38 m). Vermont is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, New Hampshire to the east, New York to the west, and Vermont’s only land border with Canada to the north. Vermont is the second-smallest by population and the sixth-smallest by area of all U.S. states.

Vermont was admitted to the Union as the 14th state on March 4, 1791. Vermont is one of only four states that were formerly sovereign states (along with California, Hawaii, and Texas) and is one of only two states that are landlocked (the other being Wyoming). Vermont has played a prominent role in American history and culture, serving as the birthplace of the Vermont Republic in 1777.

Vermont is also known as the “Green Mountain State” for its lush, green mountains and forests. Vermont is home to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Vermont Cheddar cheese, Lake Champlain, and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company.

Vermont has a long history of racism and discrimination against minorities, especially African Americans. Vermont was one of the first states to enact Jim Crow laws, which were designed to keep black people from voting and to segregate them in public places. Vermont’s Jim Crow laws were some of the most strict in the country, and they remained in effect until 1965. Vermont was also one of the last states to ratify the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, and it was one of only four states to vote against ratifying the 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. Vermont’s history of racism and discrimination has had a lasting impact on the state’s African American community, which is today one of the smallest in the country. Vermont is also home to a small but growing population of immigrants from Somalia, Sudan, and other African countries. Vermont has been working to address its history of racism and to make the state more welcoming to people of all races and ethnicities. Vermont recently passed a law making it illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of their race, ethnicity, or national origin.

Despite its reputation for being inclusive and accepting, racism still exists in Vermont, just as it does in other parts of the country. More should be done to explore the history and current state of racism in Vermont, as well as what can be done to combat it.

Historical context

Vermont has a long history of racial inequality, dating back to the colonial era. Native American communities were forced off their lands, and African slaves were brought to Vermont to work on farms and in households. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, eugenics programs were enacted, targeting individuals who were deemed “inferior” based on race, ethnicity, or disability. This history of racism has had a lasting impact on the state, and its effects are still felt today.

Current state of racism

While Vermont is often seen as a progressive state, with a focus on social justice and equity, racism still exists in various forms. People of color in Vermont are more likely to experience discrimination in housing, education, employment, and the criminal justice system. According to a report by the Vermont Human Rights Commission, African American and Native American individuals are more likely to experience discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Additionally, Vermont’s criminal justice system has been criticized for disproportionately targeting and incarcerating people of color.

Another issue facing Vermont is the lack of diversity in its population. According to the United States Census Bureau, Vermont is one of the least diverse states in the country, with a population that is over 94% white. This lack of diversity can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy towards people of color, and can make it difficult for them to feel included and valued in their communities.

What can be done?

To combat racism in Vermont, there are several steps that can be taken. First and foremost, it is important to acknowledge the existence of racism and to actively work to combat it. This can include educating oneself on the history and current state of racism in Vermont, listening to and amplifying the voices of people of color, and speaking out against racism when it is encountered.

Additionally, there is a need for more diversity and inclusion in Vermont’s communities. This can be accomplished by actively recruiting and welcoming people of color to the state, as well as providing support and resources for them once they are here. It is also important to address systemic issues that contribute to racism, such as the criminal justice system and access to education and healthcare.

While Vermont may be seen as a progressive state, racism still exists within its borders. The historical context of racial inequality has had a lasting impact on the state, and people of color continue to face discrimination and inequity. To combat racism in Vermont, it is important to acknowledge its existence and actively work to combat it.

SUNDOWN TOWNS IN VERMONT

Sundown town, in U.S. history, is a town that excluded nonwhite people—most frequently African Americans—from remaining in town after sunset.

Here is a current list of sundown towns in Vermont. This list has been created by Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, MS. This list is a work in progress. Some cities have been confirmed as sundown towns and some are listed for other or similar reasons.

Bellows Falls

Colchester

Morrisville

Poultney

Swanton

Tunbridge

Waterbury