Friday, 31 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • đŸ”„
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Culture and Arts > Harvard Relinquishes Photographs of Enslaved People in Historic Settlement
Culture and Arts

Harvard Relinquishes Photographs of Enslaved People in Historic Settlement

Last updated: May 29, 2025 1:50 am
Share
Harvard Relinquishes Photographs of Enslaved People in Historic Settlement
SHARE

Harvard University has recently made a groundbreaking decision to relinquish its claim to 15 daguerreotypes that have been at the center of a six-year legal battle. The lawsuit was brought by Tamara Lanier, a descendant of enslaved individuals whose great-great-great grandfather, Renty, and his daughter, Delia, were depicted in the photographs. These images, taken in 1850 by Joseph T. Zealy under the direction of Harvard professor Louis Agassiz, were part of pseudoscientific experiments to support ideas of White racial superiority.

After discovering her family’s connection to the photographs, Lanier sued Harvard for wrongful possession and expropriation in 2019. Despite initial denials and legal hurdles, including Harvard’s argument that the images were the property of the photographer, Lanier persisted in her fight for restitution. In a significant turn of events, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in favor of Lanier pursuing a lawsuit based on emotional distress caused by Harvard’s continued use of the images.

Now, after years of legal battles, Harvard has agreed to transfer the daguerreotypes to the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. This settlement marks a historic moment for Lanier, who sees it as a victory for reparations and a step towards acknowledging the voices and stories of descendants of enslaved individuals.

In a press conference, Lanier quoted Martin Luther King Jr., stating that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” She emphasized the importance of standing up for equality and justice in the face of ongoing challenges, such as Harvard’s recent legal disputes with the Trump administration.

See also  Defining Photos From LA’s Historic Anti-ICE Protests

The global attention drawn by this landmark case has highlighted the significance of ethical stewardship and the impact of family histories on the fight for justice. Lanier’s memoir, “From These Roots,” chronicles her journey to reclaim the photographs and trace her family lineage. She believes that institutions holding artifacts linked to slavery must not only reflect on their past but also take meaningful action to address historical injustices.

As the daguerreotypes are set to be transferred to the International African American Museum, Lanier sees this agreement as a testament to the power of descendants’ voices and the importance of preserving sacred legacies. She hopes that this case will inspire other institutions to take similar steps towards restitution and justice.

TAGGED:EnslavedHarvardhistoricpeoplePhotographsRelinquishesSettlement
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Meet the Vogue & Condé Nast PhotoVogue Committee Meet the Vogue & Condé Nast PhotoVogue Committee
Next Article How does the brain create imagination? How does the brain create imagination?
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

Why Requiring Placebo-Controlled Trials For New Vaccines Could Harm Americans

Vaccines have always been a contentious issue in America, and the future of their development…

May 3, 2025

Are Protein Bars Actually Good for You?

Whether I’ve just wrapped up a hot pilates session or I’m racing against a tight…

September 25, 2025

Research explores why women are more likely to get Alzheimer’s

The findings showed that women who started hormone therapy around the time of menopause had…

March 5, 2025

‘Oh, F**k That S**t!’: John Oliver Absolutely Shreds Megyn Kelly

John Oliver unleashed a scathing critique on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and right-wing commentators…

August 4, 2025

Explained: The Champions League draw, the Swiss Model, and how selection is going digital

The Champions League proper is set to return next month with a brand new format…

August 29, 2024

You Might Also Like

Des Moines Art Center Presents “Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations”
Culture and Arts

Des Moines Art Center Presents “Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations”

October 31, 2025
Two Arrested; Director Gets Support From Peers
Culture and Arts

Two Arrested; Director Gets Support From Peers

October 31, 2025
Mickalene Thomas Sued for M Over Abuse Allegations
Culture and Arts

Mickalene Thomas Sued for $14M Over Abuse Allegations

October 31, 2025
Pompeii’s Elite Once Lived in Luxury Towers, Research Says
Culture and Arts

Pompeii’s Elite Once Lived in Luxury Towers, Research Says

October 31, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?