Harvard to Release Historic Photos of Enslaved Black People, Concluding Legal Dispute

BOSTON — In a groundbreaking move, Harvard University is set to transfer a collection of 175-year-old photographs, considered among the earliest depictions of enslaved individuals, to a museum in South Carolina focused on African American heritage. This decision stems from a legal agreement with Tamara Lanier, who claims to be a descendant of one of the individuals captured in these poignant images. The transfer not only honors the legacy of the subjects but also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and preserving African American history. This resolution marks a significant step toward reconciliation, illuminating the critical need for institutions to confront their past and contribute to the collective understanding of heritage and identity.