In August of 2019 the New York Times published a series of articles called the 1619 Project. in print and online commemorating the 400-year anniversary of the introduction of African slaves in the North America. The publishers inform that the project “aims to reframe the country’s history, understanding 1619 as our true founding, and placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of the story we tell ourselves about who we are.”
The 1619 Project consists of a series of essays and other media tying race and slavery to contemporary America and hoping to show that race and slavery are at the foundation of America’s being. Behind the project is supposition that slavery and race are not well taught in the United States and consequently American society finds itself incapable of reconciliation and healing from the effects of slavery.
In this document set I have included four articles addressing how slavery is taught, what is not taught that should be, and responses to the current media focus on slavery not just in the New York Times but other mainstream outlets as well.
For up to 50 points extra credit, read the enclosed articles and respond to the questions at the end of the document set.
The document set is located here.