Dr. Christy Clark-Pujara, an historian and a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, gave a presentation Wednesday at Blackhawk’s Central Campus entitled “Black on the Wisconsin Frontier, 1725-1866.”

Weaving in the stories of Black individuals, including Joshua Glover and Ezekiel Gillespie, Clark-Pujara’s presentation focused on how the practice of race-based slavery evolved in Wisconsin and how the debates over Black rights shaped race relations in the state. She also shed light on the many contradictions and nuances of Wisconsin’s Black history.

“It’s not black or white. It’s all shades of gray,” she said. “It’s both progressive and oppressive.”

Clark-Pujara also emphasized the importance of knowing local, regional and state Black history and how it impacts society today.

The event was hosted by Blackhawk’s Multi-Cultural Alliance, and about 30 people attended in person with more watching online.

You can learn more about Clark-Pujara by visiting UW-Madison's Department of Afro-American studies page.