These images show the negative effects that slavery had on Africa and African people.

When Africans were brought to American shores in chains, they brought pieces of Africa with them and used their traditions, music and culture to help them survive.

A letter written by a free African-American Union soldier argues for equal pay for African-American soldiers.

A speech given by Senator John C. Calhoun in which he argues in favor of slavery, saying that it benefits enslaved people, enslavers and the United States as a whole.

A. J. McElveen writes to the Charleston, South Carolina, enslaver Z. B. Oakes, about an enslaved man named Isaac. McElveen describes Isaac as a genius, painter, cook, carriage driver, violinist, etc.

This is the text of New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s speech given when the final Confederate monument in the city was taken down.