But through oral history, through the stories that were passed down from my mother, I was able to trace my lineage back to Papa Renty and Delia. I was able to understand who they truly were, beyond the dehumanizing lens of Agassiz’s camera. And now, with the settlement with Harvard and the impending transfer of the daguerreotypes to the International African American Museum, I have the opportunity to further honor and celebrate their legacy.
H: What do you hope will be the lasting impact of this settlement, both for you personally and for the broader conversation around reparations and the restitution of stolen cultural heritage?
TL: For me personally, it’s about my own journey of self-discovery — discovering who I am, where I come from, and the strength and resilience of my ancestors. It’s about honoring and celebrating their legacy, ensuring that they are not forgotten or erased from history. It’s about healing the wounds of the past and forging a path forward that is rooted in truth and justice.
For the broader conversation around reparations and the restitution of stolen cultural heritage, I hope that this settlement serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when individuals stand up and demand accountability from institutions that have benefited from the exploitation and dehumanization of Black people. I hope that it sparks a larger conversation about the need for reparations for the descendants of enslaved people and the importance of returning stolen cultural artifacts to their rightful owners.
The settlement with Harvard is just the beginning. There is still much work to be done to address the legacy of slavery and systemic racism in this country. But I am hopeful that this settlement will serve as a catalyst for change and inspire others to continue fighting for justice and restitution.
H: Finally, what message do you have for others who may be grappling with similar struggles for justice and recognition?
TL: My message to others who are grappling with similar struggles is to never give up. It may be a long and difficult road, but justice is worth fighting for. Trust in your own strength and resilience, and know that you are not alone. Seek out support from your community, from organizations that are fighting for justice, and from allies who are willing to stand by your side.
Remember that your voice matters, your story matters, and your ancestors’ legacy matters. Keep pushing forward, keep speaking out, and keep demanding accountability from those who have wronged you. And most importantly, never forget where you come from and who you are fighting for. Stay true to your roots, stay true to your heritage, and never waver in your pursuit of justice.
The settlement with Harvard University marks a significant victory for Tamara Lanier and her quest for justice and recognition for her enslaved ancestors. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of oral history, the resilience of the human spirit, and the ongoing struggle for reparations and restitution of stolen cultural heritage. As the daguerreotypes prepare to find a new home at the International African American Museum, we are reminded of the need to honor and celebrate the legacy of those who came before us, to ensure that their stories are not forgotten, and to continue fighting for justice and equality for all.
Harvard University has a long history of being at the forefront of education and research, but it also has a dark past linked to slavery. Recently, the university has been embroiled in a legal battle over the ownership of daguerreotypes of enslaved individuals, known as Renty and Delia. Tamara Lanier, a descendant of Renty, has been fighting for years to reclaim these images and tell the true story of her ancestors.
In a recent interview, Lanier discussed her journey to uncovering her family’s history and the importance of oral history in setting the record straight. She emphasized that the narrative surrounding enslaved people being illiterate was a myth, and that many were actually educated but had to hide their literacy to survive. Lanier’s own ancestor, Papa Renty, risked his life to learn to read and write, highlighting the resilience and strength of enslaved individuals.
Harvard’s response to the case has been met with skepticism by Lanier, who pointed out the university’s initial reluctance to part with the daguerreotypes. Despite recent statements claiming support for the images to be housed in another museum, Harvard’s history of dismissing Lanier’s claims and failing to acknowledge her genealogy has left a sour taste in her mouth.
The recent settlement between Lanier and Harvard is a significant victory, but Lanier made it clear that this outcome was only achieved through years of legal battles and the unwavering support of her attorneys, including prominent civil rights lawyer Ben Crump. Crump’s involvement in the case holds special significance for Lanier, who sees it as a full circle moment in his tireless advocacy for Black individuals facing injustice.
As Lanier continues her quest to shed light on her family’s history and ensure that their legacy is honored, she serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power and fighting for justice. The settlement with Harvard may mark the end of one chapter, but it also signals a new beginning in the ongoing struggle for recognition and restitution for the descendants of enslaved individuals. The room was packed with around 500 to 600 people, and I knew I had to make my way to the stage where Ben was wrapping up his speech. Pushing through the crowd, I finally reached the stage, holding up an image of Papa Renty, my enslaved ancestor, to Ben. I told him that Papa Renty was essentially a prisoner of Harvard and that this was a reparations case. To my surprise, Ben believed me, and that moment changed everything.
In a recent interview, I reflected on the significance of this decision, especially given the current climate in the country. Harvard, embroiled in its own legal battles with the Trump administration, has been a challenging opponent. However, I have no sympathy for Harvard Corporation. The support from Harvard students and faculty has been overwhelming, but the overseers and the board of Harvard Corporation have been nothing short of bullies. Seeing them face the consequences of their actions feels like poetic justice.
Amidst these challenges, the Trump administration’s attempts to distort the history of Black individuals in the country have raised concerns. Institutions like the International African American Museum will serve as better stewards of our ancestors’ images. For Renty and Delia to return to their home state of South Carolina, where they lived, died, and were buried, is a powerful act of repatriation. The museum will tell their stories in a way that corrects the narrative and restores their humanity, something Harvard failed to do.
Being at the forefront of this movement, I am still coming to terms with the impact of my actions. The weight of the responsibility and the emotions that come with it are overwhelming. I think back to my mother, who shared my passion for preserving Papa Renty’s legacy. Before she passed, we promised to document his story, and I made a commitment to fulfill that promise. Harvard’s dismissive attitude only fueled my determination to uncover the truth and celebrate Papa Renty’s achievements.
I never anticipated taking legal action against Harvard, but their refusal to acknowledge the truth forced my hand. What started as a quest to honor my ancestors has become a symbol of victory for all descendants of American chattel slavery. This journey has been a tribute to those whose legacies were stolen, lives were lost, and property was plundered. It is a small step towards justice for all of us.
As I look back on this journey, I can’t help but feel my mother’s presence guiding me every step of the way. Her belief in the importance of preserving our family history has been a driving force behind this fight. This victory is not just for us but for all those who have been impacted by the atrocities of slavery. It is a reminder that our voices matter, and our stories deserve to be told. The age of technology has brought about many changes in our lives, including how we communicate, work, and even shop. With the rise of e-commerce platforms, more and more people are turning to online shopping for their everyday needs.
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