I've been yelling from the rooftops, READ EDWARD E. BAPTIST! Specifically his book, "The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism". And of course many people don't have the time or interest for a history book, no matter how compelling. Well, good news! Vox has an interview with Dr. Baptist, about the book, which gives a good overview of his themes and arguments. READ IT!!
"Of the many myths told about American slavery, one of the biggest is that it was an archaic practice that only enriched a small number of men.
The argument has often been used to diminish the scale of slavery, reducing it to a crime committed by a few Southern planters, one that did not touch the rest of the United States. Slavery, the argument goes, was an inefficient system, and the labor of the enslaved was considered less productive than that of a free worker being paid a wage. The use of enslaved labor has been presented as premodern, a practice that had no ties to the capitalism that allowed America to become — and remain — a leading global economy.
But as with so many stories about slavery, this is untrue. Slavery, particularly the cotton slavery that existed from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the Civil War, was a thoroughly modern business, one that was continuously changing to maximize profits."
US-RSE Celebrates Black History Month! https://buff.ly/3SmlMOI
Throughout the month, US-RSE members will share stories that recognize and celebrate African Americans who have been involved in STEM and have inspired our members through their accomplishments. #BlackHistoryMonth2024
I just finished reading "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin. The things Mr. Griffin observed and wrote about in 1976, are still seen today. This is definitely a book I will have to make a note to re-read every year. Just to see how much has and hasn't changed.
The medieval world was a much more diverse place than it is often given credit for.
Kick off Black History Month by meeting the Black knight of the round table and exploring artworks that show a diverse Middle Ages: https://gty.art/3usrcj4
It's black history month, and I want to talk about my novel, The Engineer's Apprentice. An alt history novel set in Dallas, TX. If you're looking for a good read this Black History Month, check it out.