FARMINGTON, Ct. - Perhaps little known to many Americans is the fact there have been many black governors, even black kings, in this country.

Slavery existed in Colonial times in New England -- just as it did in the South -- but blacks were given a chance to play important social roles in several Northeastern states.

Many slaveowners and white governmental leaders permitted blacks to elect their own governors or, in some cases, kings, to serve as official representatives of the black communities.

These governors and kings served as a buffer between blacks and slaveowners and white governmental officials, often making their own rulings regarding minor punishment or rewards for blacks.

Election Day for whites also served as election day for black governors or kings, with blacks not casting ballots, but simply literally lining up and standing behind their candidates (or simple voice votes in some cases).

The title of governor or king was determined by the political posture of the colonies: Royal colonies where governors were appointed called their elected blacks kings, while colonies which elected their own governors called their elected black officials governors.

The position of governor or king did not entitle the black officials full power over blacks but it did give them considerable regional authority in dealing with day-to-day issues and provided them added stature among slaves.

The first elections of black kings and governors began in the early 18th century in New England capital cities and charter colonies. Elections were held in Newport, R. I., in 1756, in Hartford, Conn., in 1766, and by the 1770s, in Norwich, Conn. and Salem, Ms.

The idea proved successful and was soon taken up by several other New England cities and by end of the 18th century similar elections took place in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and in Danvers, Lynn, and North Bridgewater in Massachusetts.

Black elections took place over the course of about a week and occurred at the same time as white elections, with only men allowed to vote (as in white elections). In many cases blacks were given time off from work take part in the elections and celebrations.

Lection Day proved to be a festive event, with lots of food, music and dancing. Wrestling, running, jumping and stickfighting events also highlighted the week.

Following the elections, the candidates were honored in an inaugural parade, oftentimes complete with the winning governor or king sporting a tall silk hat and riding a fine horse.

The slave master whose slave was elected governor or king always hosted a post-election party at his home, complete with music, dancing, food and some good-natured celebratory gunfire.

Most white slave masters endorsed the idea of the black elections and never considered the black leaders a threat, welcoming the idea of blacks being able to handle much of their own social and disciplinary issues. In some areas white slave masters allowed blacks to elect their own black "sheriff." The elected blacks generally held the ceremonial titles for life.

The tradition of Black Election Day or Negro Election Day, as it was also known, has largely been lost to history with many modern African-Americans generally unaware such events ever existed.

The first black statewide governor ever elected in America was Douglas Wilder, a grandson of slaves, elected in Virginia in 1990. But he was in reality not the first black person to ever serve as a statewide governor.

A. P. B. S. Pinchback, the son of a white planter and black slave, served as acting governor of Louisiana for 35 days in 1872 while impeachment proceedings were ongoing against Gov. Henry Clay Warmouth, accused of election fraud. Pinchback, who helped establish Southern University, was the lieutenant governor at the time.

This story was published on 15 Jan 2003.