Empire 68. The Long Death of Slavery
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Jul 25, 2023 Kris Manjapra, a Tufts University history professor and author of "Black Ghost of Empire," joins the discussion to delve into the complexities of emancipation. He highlights the messy, protracted nature of freedom and the emotional journeys faced by figures like James Mars. The conversation tackles Britain's long-overdue reparations debate and the unique legacy of black abolitionists. From systemic oppression post-Civil War to the need for reparations today, this insightful dialogue confronts historical injustices and their lingering effects on modern society.
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British Abolition Narrative
- British narratives often portray Wilberforce as the central figure in abolishing slavery.
- This overlooks the broader history and the roles of enslaved people in their own liberation.
Reparations to Slave Owners
- Britain paid off the debt from compensating slave owners, not slaves, in 2015.
- This was revealed through research by Kris Manjapra using government reports and FOIA requests.
Etymology of Emancipation
- The word "emancipation" comes from Roman law, meaning "to free from the hand."
- It highlights that emancipation laws were designed for slave owners, not the enslaved.
