Posts Tagged slavery

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Lynching Memorial Dedicated to Victims of Racial Terror

The first national memorial dedicated to lynching victims opened in Montgomery, Alabama last month to remind us of the history and present-day impact of racial terror. Formally called the National Monument for Peace and Justice, the memorial represents over 4,000 black lives lost due to mob lynching and recognizes the activism of black women abolitionists like Ida B. Wells-Barnett.

The first national memorial dedicated to lynching victims opened in Montgomery, Alabama last month to remind us of the history and present-day impact of racial terror. Formally called the National Monument for ...

Descendants of Thomas Jefferson and descendants of his slave Sally Hemings pose for a group shot at his plantation Saturday, May 15, 1999, for the first time in 170 years during the Monticello Association's Annual meeting Saturday, May 15, 1999, in Charlottesville, Va. (AP Photo/Leslie Close)

Quick Hit(s): Why Sally Hemings Was not Thomas Jefferson’s “Mistress”

In the week following the news from Monticello that archaeologists had unearthed Sally Hemings’ bedroom, the internet has exploded with one important reminder: Sally Hemings was not Thomas Jefferson’s mistress.

In the week following the news from Monticello that archaeologists had unearthed Sally Hemings’ bedroom, the internet has exploded with one important reminder: Sally Hemings was not Thomas Jefferson’s mistress.

Voting by mail in Oregon.

Beyond Trump and Clinton: What’s at Stake On This November’s Ballot?

It’s hard after last week’s debate (or after the past six months) to imagine there’s anything at stake in the polls this November other than stopping the inevitable apocalypse that would await us should Donald Trump win (or lose, for that matter). But, in truth, there’s a lot more at stake on your ballot than your choice of Commander-in-Chief. And we’re here to help.

It’s hard after last week’s debate (or after the past six months) to imagine there’s anything at stake in the polls this November other than stopping the inevitable apocalypse that would await us should Donald Trump win ...

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On Black Women, Power and “Owning Your Masters”

Last week, I wrote about Melissa Harris-Perry’s departure from MSNBC, as the host of her hit talk show, The MHP Show. I spent a considerable portion of the article talking about the significance of Dr. Harris-Perry leaving the show, even amid my own concerns about the future of marginalized voices in visible media spaces. Over the weekend, Ben Carter, YouTube host and author, published an essay in Blavity, calling Dr. Harris-Perry’s rationale and decision into question. Upon reading his assessment, I realized that one conversation I didn’t spend time unpacking that I perhaps should have, is a discussion about power, ownership and Black women.

Last week, I wrote about Melissa Harris-Perry’s departure from MSNBC, as the host of her hit talk show, The MHP Show. I spent a considerable portion of the article talking about the significance of Dr. Harris-Perry leaving ...

The Shores family pose for a portrait near Westerville, Custer County, Neb., in 1887. Jerry Shores was one of a number of former slaves to settle in Custer County. He took a claim adjacent to that of his brothers, Moses Speese and Henry Webb. Each had taken the name of his former owner. They are among the thousands of homesteaders who moved west in the late 1800's and set up housekeeping with the only natural resource the Great Plains had in abundance: sod.  (AP Photo)

On slavery, 150 years later

Today is December 7th. On December 6th, 1865 the United States ratified the 13th Amendment, officially abolishing slavery. In our short, historical memories, 150 years may feel like a short time, but it really isn’t. By my estimation, I am probably five or six generations removed from my father’s family’s enslavement, which is also about as long as my mother’s (white) family has been attending college.  So that’s awkward.

Today is December 7th. On December 6th, 1865 the United States ratified the 13th Amendment, officially abolishing slavery. In our short, historical memories, 150 years may feel like a short time, but it really isn’t. By my estimation, ...

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