What You Need to Know
• ABC News has partnered with 10 Million Names since 2023 to explore the history of slavery in America.
• The 10 Million Names organization aims to identify the names of all 10 million enslaved individuals in North America.
• Yale Professor Vincent Brown emphasizes the importance of recognizing the enslaved individuals’ family connections and histories.
ABC News has collaborated with 10 Million Names, an online ancestry database, since 2023 to highlight the history of slavery in America through genealogy research. The organization seeks to identify the names of all 10 million enslaved individuals in North America whose identities have been lost over time, aiming to restore dignity and create familial connections for their descendants. Yale Professor Vincent Brown, a member of the 10 Million Names Scholars’ Council, stated that acknowledging the family ties of the enslaved is crucial for understanding the broader context of American society. This initiative not only aims to recover lost names but also to educate the public about the contributions of enslaved individuals, particularly those who helped build significant structures like the White House and the U.S. Capitol.
Why It Matters
This initiative is significant as it addresses the historical erasure of enslaved individuals’ identities in America. By identifying and documenting the names of the enslaved, 10 Million Names aims to foster a deeper understanding of their contributions to American history. The project also highlights the importance of genealogy in reconnecting descendants with their heritage, which can enhance awareness of the historical injustices faced by their ancestors. Understanding these connections is essential for fostering discussions about race, history, and the ongoing impact of slavery in contemporary society.
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