
The Rachel Maddow Show
BONUS: Ep. 1 of Into America presents: Uncounted Millions
Feb 15, 2024
Gabriel Coakley, a descendant of a Black person compensated for slavery, discusses the power of reparations. The episode explores his family's trajectory, the challenges faced by black entrepreneurs in the 1860s, and the economics of emancipation. It also highlights the struggles for personhood and protections for Black people after slavery.
46:05
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Quick takeaways
- The story of Gabriel Cokley illustrates the fight for reparations and the struggles faced by Black Americans to be made whole.
- The Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 highlights the contrast between reparations for slaveholders and the lack of reparations for the enslaved population, revealing the challenging path towards freedom and equality for Black Americans.
Deep dives
Gabriel Cokley: A Man of Audacious Freedom
Gabriel Cokley, a prominent businessman in Washington, D.C., freed his entire immediate family from slavery in the early 1860s. He used his wit, intelligence, and influence to secure their freedom, purchasing their emancipation one by one. This extraordinary act of courage and determination during a time of intense challenges and the looming Civil War sets Gabriel Cokley apart as a remarkable figure. His story sheds light on the fight for reparations and the struggles faced by Black Americans to be made whole.
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