Because slavery is so central to the history of the United States—its origins, economic development, society, culture, politics, and law—it has left in its wake a wide array of legacies that seem ever-present yet ever-changing in our world. — David Blight (2020)
What are the “legacies” of slavery and how do they continue to shape the American economy, society, politics, and culture? Read a pair of essays by historian David Blight, written five years apart (2020 and 2025), that explore the changing nature of the legacies of slavery. Then review the nine specific legacy themes that helped structure the entire Legacies initiative.