

69. A Reckoning with Slavery
8 snips Aug 1, 2023
In a thought-provoking discussion, Alex Renton, author of 'Blood Legacy' and descendant of slaveholders, unearths his family's unsettling ties to the transatlantic slave trade. He shares the emotional turmoil of discovering ancestral letters revealing brutal truths about slavery. Renton emphasizes that the impacts of this history are not just ancient relics, but ongoing realities affecting racial justice today. The conversation also touches on the complex legacy of Enlightenment figures and the urgent need for reconciliation and reparations in contemporary society.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Family History of Slavery
- Alex Renton discovered family archives referencing Jamaica and Tobago, hinting at his family's involvement in slavery.
- His mother dismissed it, claiming everyone was involved, but this prompted Renton to investigate further.
Renton's Motivation
- Renton's investigative nature and skepticism of the establishment fueled his deep dive into his family's history.
- His posh education, including attending Eton with Boris Johnson, fostered this rebellious spirit.
The Fergusons and Slavery
- The Fergusons, Renton's ancestors, were prominent figures in Scotland, involved in politics and the Edinburgh Enlightenment.
- They were considered decent and educated by 18th-century standards, yet they owned and traded slaves.