Black Archives Look to Preservation Amid Growing US History Bans
Anti-critical race theory efforts have gained momentum in the United States, with multiple states implementing or attempting to introduce bans on critical race theory (CRT) in schools. Currently, 18 states have banned CRT, an academic and legal framework that recognizes systemic racism as a pervasive element of American society. An additional 10 states are actively pursuing similar bans.
As schools across the country confront these restrictions while teaching an accurate and comprehensive version of American history, the preservation of valuable archival documents becomes increasingly crucial. Historical records provide a vital lens through which we can understand the past and its implications for the present and future.
In a significant discovery last year, Kenya Johnson, a probate judge in Georgia, uncovered documents in the court’s records room dating back to the 1840s. These documents included estate planning papers, marriage licenses, and wills that outlined how slave owners intended to pass down the people they owned as property.
During an interview with Atlanta’s WSBTV, Judge Johnson shared excerpts from one of the wills, which read, I bequeath to my daughter Margaret Rebecca my Negro woman Gin. Of dark complexion and all of her children to her and her heirs forever. These documents, describing the lives and futures of enslaved individuals alongside lists of possessions like cattle and china, highlight the everyday nature of slavery and its profound impact.
Scholars emphasize the importance of these records for educational purposes, particularly in discussions surrounding reparations. Some of these records that were found I’m sure could play a crucial role in efforts towards reparations and addressing systemic racial disparities, stated Nafeesa Muhammad, a history professor at Spelman College. Historians and other scholars are going to take advantage of this, especially with respect to Georgia history.
In 2021, Fulton County, where Judge Johnson presides, established a reparations task force, the first county-level initiative of its kind in the country. The task force recently released a report as a foundational step towards studying and implementing reparations for descendants of enslaved individuals and those who endured Jim Crow segregation. The discovered documents from the Georgia court’s records room will contribute significantly to understanding the historical context of slavery and its lasting consequences.
Preserving these invaluable archives becomes essential in light of the ongoing bans on teaching accurate history. The documents serve as irrefutable evidence of the systemic oppression and racial injustices that permeated the foundations of American society. By safeguarding and studying these records, we continue to shed light on the dark chapters of our history, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
In conclusion, the push to ban critical race theory has underscored the need to preserve and protect historical archives that inform our understanding of systemic racism in America. The discovered documents in Georgia not only offer profound insights into the institution of slavery but also provide evidence for discussions about reparations and racial disparities. As we navigate these challenges, it is vital to prioritize the preservation and accessibility of our shared history to foster a more informed and just society.
