Lecture Notes: The 1619 Project Presentation

Introduction

• The presentation marked the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia, 1619.
• Aimed to explore slavery's legacy in modern American life.

Poets and Poems

• Featured original poems by:
  • Yusef Komunyakaa about Crispus Attucks.
  • Eve L. Ewing about Phyllis Wheatley.
  • Tyehimba Jess about the Black Seminoles.
• Poems explored themes of identity, resistance, and historical contributions of Black Americans.

Key Themes and Discussion

Historical Context

• Crispus Attucks: First person killed in the American Revolution, symbolizing freedom's fight.
• Phyllis Wheatley: First African American poet to publish, faced challenges of proving her authorship.
• Black Seminoles: African American escapees allied with Native Americans resisting oppression.

The 1619 Project

• Led by Nicole Hannah-Jones, a staff writer at the New York Times Magazine.
• A significant effort to examine the legacy of slavery through various lenses.
• Included essays, historical timelines, poems, and educational outreach.

Modern Implications

• Explored how slavery's legacy affects democracy, capitalism, justice, and more.
• Discussed systemic issues such as obstructionist politics, healthcare disparities, and cultural contributions.
• Highlighted Black Americans' role in perfecting democracy and culture.

Notable Essays and Ideas

Jamelle Bouie

• Wrote about obstructionism in American politics with roots traceable to slavery.

Linda Villarosa

• Covered medical myths and their origins in slavery, such as high pain tolerance and lung capacity myths.

Wesley Morris

• Discussed American music's roots in Black culture; the duality between exploitation and cultural creation.

Challenges and Reflections

• Writers faced emotional and intellectual challenges in uncovering and confronting historical truths.
• Emphasized the need to re-educate society about the impact of slavery on current structures.

Audience Engagement

• Questions raised about the historical narrative, contemporary relevance, and educational outreach.
• Encouraged the audience to think critically about how to address these issues moving forward.

Conclusion

• The event was a call to action to reconsider American history by centering the contributions and experiences of Black Americans.
• Planned out efforts for further educational programs and ongoing dialogue about America's past and future.