Rediscovering History: The Return of 19 Black Americans’ Skulls to New Orleans After 150 Years in Germany

Before January 10, 1872, a young Black laborer named William Roberts entered Charity Hospital in New Orleans. At just 23, he was strong and came from Georgia. His only reported issue was diarrhea.

Sadly, William was one of 19 Black patients who died at the hospital during a cold December and January. Their skulls were taken to Germany for a now-discredited study that falsely linked skull shape to intelligence.

These skulls were stored in Germany for nearly 150 years. Two years ago, Leipzig University reached out to New Orleans to return them. This month, they finally made their way back home. To honor these individuals, there will be a jazz funeral before their remains are interred.

The act of returning human remains has gained momentum recently. However, this case stands out. It’s believed to be the first major repatriation of Black American remains from Europe. Paul Wolff Mitchell, a researcher at the University of Amsterdam, notes how vital this restitution is for understanding race and science’s history.

Interestingly, repatriation often triggers public discussions about historical injustices. Many people on social media have celebrated this return, viewing it as a long-overdue acknowledgment of past wrongs.

This repatriation is not just about bones; it signals a shift in how societies are starting to address historical grievances. In recent years, there have been numerous calls for similar actions worldwide, including the return of artifacts to Indigenous communities.

As conversations around repatriation grow, statistics show a rising trend. According to a recent study, 72% of Americans support returning artifacts and remains to their rightful descendants. This shift indicates a growing awareness of history’s impact on today’s society.

Honoring these individuals is essential. Their stories remind us of a troubled past and our responsibility to correct historical injustices. The return of William Roberts and others like him may pave the way for more meaningful reparative actions in the future.



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Skull (Body Part),Black People,Colleges and Universities,Funerals and Memorials,Race and Ethnicity,Collectors and Collections,Tests (Medical),Museums,Pennsylvania,Germany,Archaeology and Anthropology