Harvard Concedes: The Controversial Decision on Slave Photos After a Long Battle

Harvard University has decided to give up ownership of two historical images of an enslaved father, Renty, and his daughter, Delia. This comes after a long legal battle with Tamara Lanier, a woman who claims to be their descendant. Instead of returning the photographs to her, Harvard plans to transfer them to the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, where Renty and Delia were once enslaved.

Lanier expressed relief at this outcome. She has fought for years to ensure her ancestors are honored. “Now I can rest assured that my enslaved ancestors will be traveling to a new home,” she said. She wants the images to be part of an institution that respects and celebrates their humanity.

The legal dispute reflects a broader conversation about how institutions like Harvard are addressing their ties to slavery. For instance, Harvard Law School recently dropped a long-standing logo associated with a slaveholding family, while Georgetown University has started giving admissions preference to descendants of enslaved people sold to fund the school.

While Harvard held onto these images, other institutions have been returning artifacts and remains to Native American tribes. Lanier first contacted Harvard 15 years ago upon learning about the images, believing Renty resembled an ancestor in her family history.

This case highlights ongoing tensions and discussions about history and ethics. Recent surveys reveal that many Americans want universities to confront their historical ties to slavery. A 2021 report indicated that about 67% of respondents supported institutions acknowledging their past involvement in slavery and taking steps towards reparative justice.

As universities grapple with these issues, the story of Renty and Delia reminds us of the importance of remembering and honoring the legacies of those who suffered. The transfer of these images could pave the way for more open discussions about history, justice, and healing in communities across the U.S.



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Slavery (Historical),Colleges and Universities,Civil Rights and Liberties,Black People,Harvard University,International African American Museum,Crump, Benjamin L,Koskoff, Josh (Attorney),South Carolina