Who owns history? Everyone and no one--which is why the study of the past is a constantly evolving, never-ending journey of discovery.
Eric FonerRead
In the Shadow of Slavery covers two and a half centuries of black life in New York City, and skillfully interweaves the categories of race and class as they affected the formation of African American identity. Leslie Harris has made a major contribution to our understanding of the black experience.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the impact of slavery on African American identity in New York City over centuries.
This quote emphasizes the complex social dynamics of race and class throughout two and a half centuries of black life in New York City. It stresses the importance of understanding how these factors have shaped African American identity and acknowledges Leslie Harris's significant contribution to shedding light on the African American experience during this period.
Themes
SlaveryAfrican AmericanIdentityRaceClassHistory
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on racial identity, one might use this quote to highlight the historical context of African American life.
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