Harvard Finally Frees "Papa Renty" Landmark Slavery Photo Settlement

Harvard University Agrees to Return Early Photos of Enslaved People, Settling Landmark Legal Battle

In a move hailed as a historic victory, Harvard University has agreed to relinquish 175-year-old daguerreotypes, believed to be the earliest photographs of enslaved individuals, to the International African American Museum in South Carolina. This decision comes as part of a settlement with Tamara Lanier, who claims to be a direct descendant of one of the subjects depicted in the haunting images. The resolution marks the end of a protracted 15-year legal battle between Lanier and the esteemed institution.

The Heart of the Matter: Renty, Delia, and the Fight for Justice

The photographs feature individuals identified by Tamara Lanier as her great-great-great-grandfather, Renty – affectionately known as "Papa Renty" – and his daughter, Delia. Taken in 1850 in South Carolina, where they were enslaved, these images are powerful testaments to a dark chapter in American history.
Joshua Koskoff, Lanier’s attorney, described the settlement as an "unprecedented" victory, highlighting the significance of securing control over such historically significant images of enslaved people after 175 years.

Key Highlights of the Settlement:

• Transfer of Ownership: The daguerreotypes will be transferred from Harvard’s Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology to the International African American Museum in South Carolina.
• End of Legal Dispute: The agreement concludes a 15-year legal battle initiated by Tamara Lanier.
• Recognition of Historical Significance: The settlement underscores the importance of these images in understanding and confronting the legacy of slavery in the United States.

A Contentious Legal Journey

The legal battle revolved around the question of whether Harvard had the right to continue owning dehumanizing images of enslaved individuals who could not consent to their creation. While Massachusetts courts ultimately sided with Harvard on the issue of ownership, they allowed Lanier to pursue emotional damages from the university, acknowledging "Harvard’s complicity in the horrific actions surrounding the creation of the daguerreotypes."
Harvard stated that it had been working towards relinquishing ownership of the images to ensure they were placed in an appropriate context and made accessible to a wider audience.

Standing Together: A Symbol of Unity

A poignant moment occurred when Lanier stood arm-in-arm with Susanna Moore, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Harvard biologist Louis Agassiz. Agassiz commissioned the images, and his theories on racial difference were once used to justify slavery. Both women, descendants of individuals on opposing sides of history, celebrated the resolution.

Lanier declared the moment a "victory for reparations," stating that the images, "taken without dignity or consent and used to promote a racist psychoscience will now be repatriated to a home where their stories can be told and their humanity can be restored." Moore acknowledged that the images captured by her ancestor were part of a "deeply racist project" and emphasized that the meaning of such objects in museums can and should evolve.

The Legacy of Louis Agassiz and the Exploitation of Enslaved People

Lanier’s 2019 lawsuit alleged that the images were taken without Renty’s and Delia’s consent and that Harvard had unlawfully retained and exploited them. According to the suit, Agassiz sought out racially "pure" enslaved individuals born in Africa during his tour of plantations. Renty and Delia were posed shirtless and photographed from various angles, reducing them to "research specimens" in Agassiz’s eyes.

Looking Ahead: Healing and Reconciliation

Tonya M. Matthews, CEO of the International African American Museum, described Harvard’s decision as a moment "175 years in the making," praising Lanier’s "bravery, tenacity, and grace." The museum has pledged to collaborate with Lanier in shaping the narrative surrounding the images.

While an undisclosed financial settlement was reached, Lanier’s attorney noted that Harvard has yet to publicly acknowledge Lanier’s connection to Renty and Delia, or its own role in perpetuating slavery. Despite this, the settlement stands as a powerful statement, a testament to the enduring pursuit of justice and the importance of confronting historical injustices. The return of these images represents a significant step towards healing and reconciliation, allowing for the stories of Renty and Delia to be told with dignity and respect.

Tags: Harvard University, Enslaved People, Renty, Papa Renty, Delia, African American Museum, South Carolina, Daguerreotypes, Tamara Lanier, Slavery Photos, Louis Agassiz, Historical Justice, Reparations

Source: https://apnews.com/article/harvard-university-slave-photos-d9c01b7926bba2a686ff325617e93ce9