TRIGGER WARNING: This video is about murder

This week, I took part in Tracie Jae's "This Old House" Conversation Series, which included a segment from the Equal Justice Initiative on America's dark history of terror lynching. The group of around ten people, diverse in race, religion, experience, and culture, engaged deeply with this topic. Among the powerful moments was a testimony from a descendant of slaves, sharing harrowing accounts of family members subjected to lynching and brutal treatment, even while serving in the U.S. military. These stories illuminated the ongoing impact of such atrocities on African American communities.

The discussion led to two significant insights:

While many claim not to have directly benefited from slavery, it's important to recognize the broader context. The very fabric of the nation, its economic and structural foundations, was built on the exploitation and dehumanization of enslaved people. This historical reality has, in various ways, provided advantages to those who are white, even if not directly linked to personal actions.
The institution of slavery and its legacy of racial injustice have shaped the United States in fundamental ways. Acknowledging this is critical for understanding the complex interplay of historical advantages and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

The conversation underscored the importance of confronting these uncomfortable truths to foster a more inclusive and understanding society.