The White Lion, a British pirate ship, arrived in Jamestown, Virginia. Twenty to thirty enslaved Africans were shackled on board, survivors of trauma beyond our greatest nightmares, united in anguish, uncertainty, and their enormous importance in the formation of the United States. They'd been kidnapped from a Portuguese slave ship sailing from what is now Angola. Towards the end of their ordeal, they were sold to the English colonists who lived there in return for commodities and replenishments.

The year was 1619, and this occurrence marked the beginning of the trade in enslaved people, which would see millions of women, men, and children

kidnapped and sold to serve in American forced labor camps in perpetuity. The riches and consequent social and political influence that arose solely from the institution of slavery made it one of the most powerful components in the country's formation. As a result, the year 1619 symbolizes a distinct genesis tale for the creation of the nation, one that differs from the one you're undoubtedly familiar with.

Despite this, most people are unaware of the significance of that date. In reality, just 8% of high school grads in the United States are aware of the history of slavery.

The 1619 Project seeks to address historical gaps by revealing the actual history of slavery and how it influenced the United States as we know it. Yet it does not end there.

It presents a path forward and specific answers for beginning to address the devastation inflicted by the slave trade, which has sustained over 400 years of discriminatory, racist laws and brutality.

This Summary will teach you

- How enslaved people laid the groundwork for American wealth;

- Why was the Declaration of Independence founded on a lie?

- How reparations for descendants of slaves are critical to American democracy.