Harvard University will relinquish 175-year-old photographs believed to be the earliest taken of enslaved people to a South Carolina museum devoted to African American history as part of a settlement with a woman who says she is one of the subjects’ descendants. The photos of the subjects identified by Tamara Lanier as her great-great-great-grandfather Renty, whom she calls “Papa Renty,” and his daughter Delia will be transferred from the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology to the International African American Museum in South Carolina, the state where they were enslaved in 1850 when the photos were taken, a lawyer for Lanier said Wednesday. The settlement marks the end of a 15-year battle between Lanier and the esteemed university to release the 19th-century daguerreotypes, a precursor to modern-day photographs. Lanier’s attorney Joshua Koskoff told The Associated Press that the resolution is an “unprecedented” victory for descendants of those enslaved in the US and praised his client’s yearslong determination in pursuing justice for the people she had identified as her ancestors. “I think it’s one of one in American history, because of the combination of unlikely features: to have a case that dates back 175 years, to win control over images dating back that long of enslaved people — that’s never happened before,” Koskoff said. A key question of the case was whether Harvard could legally be allowed to continue owning dehumanizing images of enslaved people who couldn’t consent to taking part. The Massachusetts court system ultimately sided with Harvard on the question of ownership, but allowed Lanier to continue to pursue emotional damages from the institution. Harvard said Wednesday that it had long been working to relinquish ownership of the images “to put them in the appropriate context and increase access to them for all Americans.” Negotiations between Harvard and Lanier lawyers resulted in a settlement that included the removal of the images from Harvard’s ownership. On Wednesday, Lanier stood holding a portrait of Papa Renty while arm-in-arm with Susanna Moore, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Harvard biologist Louis Agassiz, who commissioned the images on behalf of the university and whose theories on racial difference were once used to support slavery in the US. Both great-great-great grandaughters — one of enslaved people and another of a man who exploited them — praised the resolution. “This is a moment in history where the sons and daughters of stolen ancestors can stand with pride and rightfully proclaim a victory for reparations,” Lanier said. “This pilfered property, 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 called the images captured by her ancestor, Agassiz, a “deeply racist project.” “This victory reminds us that the meaning of such objects in museums can and should change,” she said. “This woman standing next to me, she knew all along she was not small and she was not alone.” A question of ownership In 2019, Lanier sued Harvard, alleging the images were taken “without Renty’s and Delia’s consent and therefore unlawfully retained.” The suit attacked Harvard for its “exploitation” of Renty’s image at a 2017 conference and in other uses. It said Harvard has capitalized on the photos by demanding a “hefty” licensing fee to reproduce the images. Agassiz came across Renty and Delia while touring plantations in search of racially “pure” enslaved individuals born in Africa, according to Lanier’s suit. To create the images, both Renty and Delia were posed shirtless and photographed from several angles. “To Agassiz, Renty and Delia were nothing more than research specimens,” the suit said. “The violence of compelling them to participate in a degrading exercise designed to prove their own subhuman status would not have occurred to him, let alone mattered.” In 2021, a Massachusetts court ruled that photos are the property of the photographer, not the subject — a stance affirmed by the Massachusetts Supreme Court. However, while Harvard sought to have the case dismissed, the state high court allowed the case to proceed on Lanier’s claim to emotional distress damages. The state’s highest court recognized “Harvard’s complicity in the horrific actions surrounding the creation of the daguerreotypes,” saying that “Harvard’s present obligations cannot be divorced from its past abuses.” In a statement, Harvard said it had “long been eager to place the Zealy Daguerreotypes with another museum or other public institution.” “This settlement now allows us to move forward towards that goal,” the university said. “While we are grateful to Ms. Lanier for sparking important conversations about these images, this was a complex situation, particularly since Harvard has not confirmed that Ms. Lanier was related to the individuals in the daguerreotypes.” A new home for Renty and Delia Tonya M. Matthews, the CEO of the International African American Museum, called Harvard’s relinquishing of the images a moment “175 years in the making.” “The bravery, tenacity, and grace shown by Ms. Lanier throughout the long and arduous process of returning these critical pieces of Renty and Delia’s story to South Carolina is a model for us all,” she said in a statement. The South Carolina museum has committed to working with Lanier and including her in decisions about how the story of the images will be told. In Lanier’s lawsuit, she asked for Harvard to acknowledge its complicity in slavery, listen to Lanier’s oral family history and pay an unspecified sum in damages. An undisclosed financial settlement was part of the resolution with Harvard announced Wednesday, but Koskoff said Harvard still hasn’t publicly acknowledged Lanier’s connection to them or its connection to perpetuating slavery in the US, Koskoff said. “That is just left unanswered by Harvard,” he said. Koskoff said he wants to be clear that Lanier and his team “firmly support” Harvard’s current fight against the administration of US President Donald Trump as the White House moves to cut billions in federal aid and block the enrollment of international students, accusing the institution of being a hotbed of liberalism and antisemitism. “We are not here today to bash Harvard… but that doesn’t mean that they are perfect, and that doesn’t mean that they don’t have the obligation to tell a full history, even one that sheds poorly on their own veritas,” he said. He said Lanier isn’t expecting or waiting to hear from the institution, but that the settlement speaks for itself. “In the end, the truth will find you — you can you can only hide from it for so long,” he said. “Yes, history is written by the winners. But over time, you know, those winners look like losers sometimes.”
Harvard agrees to relinquish early photos of enslaved people, ending a long legal battle
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Harvard University to Transfer Historic Photos of Enslaved Individuals to Museum in Settlement"
CNN
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Harvard University has agreed to transfer ownership of 175-year-old photographs believed to be the earliest taken of enslaved individuals to the International African American Museum in South Carolina. This decision concludes a lengthy legal battle initiated by Tamara Lanier, who claims descent from one of the photographed subjects, Renty, and his daughter Delia. The daguerreotypes, created in 1850, are significant historical artifacts captured without the consent of the subjects, raising ethical concerns about their ownership. Lanier's attorney described the settlement as an unprecedented victory for descendants of enslaved individuals, highlighting the unique nature of the case and the importance of restoring dignity to those depicted in the images. Harvard had previously defended its ownership in court, with a ruling stating that the photographer, rather than the subjects, retained ownership rights. However, the Massachusetts Supreme Court acknowledged the university's historical complicity in the circumstances surrounding the photographs' creation, allowing Lanier to pursue claims for emotional damages while ruling on the matter of ownership.
As part of the settlement, Harvard has committed to relinquishing the images to ensure they are placed in a context that honors the subjects' humanity. The CEO of the International African American Museum expressed gratitude for Lanier's resilience throughout the legal process, emphasizing the significance of returning these photographs to South Carolina, where the subjects were enslaved. While an undisclosed financial settlement was part of the agreement, issues remain regarding Harvard's acknowledgment of its historical ties to slavery and its failure to confirm Lanier's familial connection to Renty and Delia. Lanier's attorney affirmed their support for Harvard's current challenges against political pressures, maintaining that the settlement underscores the necessity for institutions to confront their historical legacies honestly. The resolution marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about reparations and the representation of enslaved individuals in historical narratives.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent decision by Harvard University to transfer 175-year-old photographs of enslaved individuals to a South Carolina museum represents a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about the legacy of slavery in the United States. This settlement marks the culmination of a lengthy legal battle initiated by Tamara Lanier, a descendant of one of the individuals depicted in the photographs. The implications of this decision are multifaceted, touching on themes of historical accountability, the ownership of sensitive cultural artifacts, and the relationship between institutions and marginalized communities.
Purpose Behind the Announcement
The release of these images aims to address historical injustices and promote greater accessibility to the stories of enslaved individuals. By transferring ownership to the International African American Museum, Harvard seeks to contextualize these photographs within a framework that honors the dignity and humanity of the individuals depicted, rather than treating them as mere artifacts. This action may also serve to enhance Harvard's public image, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and historical awareness.
Community Perception
This news is likely to resonate positively within communities advocating for racial justice and historical recognition. By framing the settlement as a victory for descendants of enslaved people, the narrative seeks to foster a sense of empowerment and agency among these communities. The emphasis on Lanier's determination in pursuing justice may also inspire others to advocate for the restitution of cultural artifacts and acknowledgment of historical wrongs.
Potential Omissions
While the focus is on the transfer of images and the implications for descendants, the article does not delve deeply into the broader systemic issues of racial inequality and the ongoing struggles of African American communities. By concentrating on this specific case, there may be an implicit suggestion that resolving such individual cases is sufficient for addressing the far-reaching impacts of slavery and racism in America.
Manipulative Elements
The article appears to have a low level of manipulativeness. However, it could be argued that the framing of Harvard’s actions as a progressive step might overlook the complexities and ongoing challenges facing descendants of enslaved people. The language used emphasizes victory and resolution, potentially glossing over the institutional barriers that still exist.
Trustworthiness of the Information
The article seems credible, as it includes statements from legal representatives and references the historical context of the photographs. However, it is essential to consider the potential biases of the sources and the institution involved. The portrayal of Harvard in a positive light could reflect an inherent bias as the university aims to reshape its legacy in response to historical criticisms.
Broader Implications
This decision may influence conversations around reparations and the repatriation of cultural artifacts. It could inspire similar actions by other institutions holding sensitive historical materials. Economically, there may be implications for museums and cultural institutions that are increasingly pressured to address historical injustices and diversify their collections.
Community Support
The news is likely to garner support from activists, historians, and communities focused on racial justice and heritage preservation. Such narratives resonate particularly with groups advocating for reparative justice and the recognition of historical trauma.
Market Impact
While the immediate economic impact on stock markets or specific shares may be minimal, this news could influence public sentiment towards institutions like Harvard and their efforts to address historical grievances. This could shape investment decisions in cultural and educational sectors.
Global Context
In a broader context, this news aligns with worldwide movements aiming to confront colonial legacies and historical injustices. It reflects a growing awareness and discourse around race, heritage, and accountability in various countries, especially in light of recent global protests advocating for racial justice.
AI Influence
There is no direct evidence suggesting AI was employed in the crafting of this news article. However, if AI tools were utilized, they might have influenced the style of presentation, emphasizing clarity and engagement to reach a broader audience. The framing of the narrative to highlight social justice themes could reflect algorithmic preferences for topics currently resonating in public discourse.
Overall, this article contributes to an essential dialogue about race, history, and institutional accountability, while simultaneously seeking to position Harvard as a progressive leader in addressing its past.