Some freed people actually received '40 acres and a mule.' Then it got taken away.
Jun 24, 2024
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Discover the untold stories of Black individuals who received '40 acres and a mule' after the Civil War, only to have it taken away. Explore the legacy of land ownership, the struggles faced by descendants, and the ongoing debate on reparations for slavery.
Some freed people actually received land as reparations post-Civil War, symbolizing a broken promise turned reality.
Owning land as generational wealth can endure through challenges, showcasing resilience and heritage.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Sherman's Field Orders
Sherman's special field orders, number 15, aimed to provide hundreds of thousands of acres of land in South Carolina to formerly enslaved black people as a form of reparations. Although the plan never came to fruition, it became a symbol of the reparations movement, with some freed people actually receiving land titles after the Civil War, only to have it taken away.
Generational Wealth and Land Ownership on Edisto Island
Jim Hutchinson's descendant, Patty, traces her roots seven generations back to Edisto Island, where Jim once owned 230 acres of land. The story highlights the significance of owning land as generational wealth, with Patty now residing on a portion of the original property, showcasing the endurance of her family's heritage despite past challenges.
Debate on Reparations and Inherited Wealth
The podcast delves into the contentious topic of reparations, with contrasting viewpoints from descendants of former slave owners, like Pinkney and Jenks Michael, and Jim Hutchinson's heirs. Their perspectives reveal the complexities and discomfort surrounding discussions of reparations, addressing the historical wealth gap and differing opinions on compensation for past injustices.
Upholding Jim Hutchinson's Legacy
Jim Hutchinson's legacy of perseverance is highlighted as he fought for and acquired land post-emancipation, symbolizing brief independence for freed people. Despite facing adversity and ultimately losing his life on the land he obtained, Jim's determination laid the foundation for generational wealth and resilience among his descendants, resonating through the present day.
The promise of "40 acres and a mule", is often thought of as a broken one. But it turns out, some freed people actually received land as reparations after the Civil War. And what happened to that land and the families it was given to is the subject of a new series, 40 Acres and a Lie, by our colleagues at Reveal and the Center for Public Integrity.