Patricia Bailey, descendant of Jim Hutchinson, talks about the history of formerly enslaved Black Americans given land through 40 acres and a mule, only to have it taken away. The podcast delves into generational wealth, farmland protection, complex legacies on Edisto Island, LGBTQ+ rights, and emotional reflections on slavery's impact.
The broken promise of 40 acres and a mule exacerbated the racial wealth gap post-emancipation.
Jim Hutchinson's perseverance led to generational wealth through land ownership post-slavery.
The debate on reparations for descendants of enslaved individuals remains emotionally charged and divisive.
Deep dives
The Broken Promise of 40 Acres and a Mule
In the aftermath of slavery, the American government pledged 40 acres to the newly freed slaves as a promise of land ownership. However, this commitment was never fulfilled, leaving many African Americans without the foundation of generational wealth. Despite the issuance of land titles to over 1,200 formerly enslaved individuals, the subsequent loss of this land exacerbated the racial wealth gap that persists to this day.
The Legacy of Jim Hutchinson's Fight for Land
Jim Hutchinson, a former slave and descendant of a wealthy slave owner, symbolizes the struggle for land ownership post-emancipation. His tenacity led him to advocate for and acquire 230 acres of land for himself and his community. This acquisition marked the beginning of the Hutchinson family's generational wealth, showcasing the enduring impact of land ownership on economic stability.
Reparations and the Ongoing Debate
The debate surrounding reparations for descendants of enslaved individuals continues to evoke strong emotions and differing perspectives. While some, like Patty, believe reparations are warranted to address the historical injustices suffered by African Americans, others, like Jenks, argue against it, citing opportunities for economic success for all in the country. The complex history and emotional weight of reparations highlight the challenging conversations necessary to address systemic inequalities.
The Difficulties of Confronting the Past
Conversations surrounding slavery, land ownership, and reparations remain deeply sensitive and emotive subjects, as exemplified by the emotional responses of individuals when discussing the impacts of historical injustices. The reluctance to fully engage with this history underscores the persistent challenges in reconciling the inequities rooted in the nation's past.
Conclusion: Unearthing Hidden Histories and Personal Connections
Through the journey of discovering Jim Hutchinson's story and the broader implications of land ownership post -emancipation, a deeply personal connection to history emerges for his descendants. This investigative journey not only sheds light on the broken promises of 40 acres and a mule but also underscores the enduring impact of generational wealth disparities rooted in the legacies of slavery and land ownership.
Our historical investigation found 1,250 formerly enslaved Black Americans who were given land – only to see it returned to their enslavers.
Patricia Bailey’s four-bedroom home sits high among the trees in lush Edisto Island, South Carolina. It’s a peaceful place where her body healed from multiple sclerosis. It’s also the source of her generational wealth.
Bailey built this house on land that was passed down by her great-great-grandfather, Jim Hutchinson, who was enslaved on Edisto before he was freed and became a landowner.
“I know this is sacred land here,” Bailey says, “’cause it's my ancestors and I feel it.”
Union General William T. Sherman’s Special Field Orders, No. 15 – better known as 40 acres and a mule – implied a better life in the waning days of the Civil War. Hutchinson is among the formerly enslaved people who received land through the field orders, which are often thought of as a promise that was never kept. But 40 acres and a mule was more than that.
It was real.
Over a more than two-year investigation, our partners at the Center for Public Integrity have unearthed thousands of records once buried in the National Archives. In them, they found more than 1,200 formerly enslaved people who were given land by the federal government through the field orders – and then saw that land taken away.
None of the land Bailey lives on today is part of Hutchinson’s 40 acres. Instead, her family’s wealth is built on her ancestor’s determination to get and keep land of his own, after losing what he thought he had gained through the field orders.
This week on Reveal, with our partners at the Center for Public Integrity, we bring you the first in a three-part series in which we tell the history of an often-misunderstood government program. We explore a reparation that wasn’t – and the wealth gap that remains.
