How should America observe the 400th?
In the Spring of 2015, I was engaged in interviewing people about the n-word, which culminated in the n-word Project and Journey to the Bottom of the n-Word. While engaged in that project, I began dropping in questions relating to the 4o0th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans. Upon completion of that, the 400th became the focus. Here are some of the interviews over the past few years relating to the 400th.
If you had the chance, what would you say
to the first enslaved Africans in America?
This question has always generated unique reactions whenever I ask it. It led to an audible gasp at a speech I delivered at the 100 Men of Color Awards ceremony in Hartford, Conn., in the the fall of 2018. I think it's because it's something no one has considered. What would you say to them? What would they say to us.? It would be such an emotional reaction, regardless of one's race. Following are some responses, including an excerpt from the speech I gave.