Harvard agrees to relinquish early photos of slaves after long legal battle | Africanews
Harvard University Relinches 175-Year-Old Photos of Enslaved Individuals to South Carolina MuseumIn an unprecedented move, Harvard University has agreed to transfer its 175-year-old photographs believed to be the earliest ever taken of enslaved individuals to a South Carolina museum dedicated to African American history. The decision comes after a prolonged legal battle that highlighted Harvard’s responsibility to accurately represent history.
The controversy began when the museum sought access to the photos, which were stored in Harvard’s archives. The university argued that the images might contain sensitive or potentially harmful content related to slavery and racism. However, after a court battle, Harvard relented, acknowledging that the photos are part of an important historical record.
Harvard’s stance initially raised eyebrows due to concerns about its commitment to preserving accurate representations of history. The university faced criticism for potentially violating its own policy on handling sensitive materials. Despite the backlash, Harvard’s decision to relinquish the photos was seen as a step in the right direction, especially given the museum’s focus on African American history and legacy.
The transfer is part of a broader conversation about how institutions handle collections related to slavery and racism. Similar cases have drawn attention to the ways in which educational institutions are grappling with their historical roles. The move marks a significant milestone in addressing the nation’s complicated relationship with slavery, as well as its implications for race and justice.
For more details, visit: [Africanews.com/2025/05/29/harvard-agrees-to-relinquish-early-photos-of-slaves-after-long-legal-battle](http://www.africanews.com/2025/05/29/harvard-agrees-to-relinquish-early-photos-of-slaves-after-long-legal-battle/)
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