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The legacy of slavery continues to shape the experiences of black Americans from "summary" of Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Dreamers accept slavery as an integral part of their history. They view it as a distant event that has no bearing on the present. But the reality is that the legacy of slavery continues to reverberate through time, shaping the experiences of black Americans today. The Dreamers fail to see the connection between past and present, between the enslavement of black bodies then and the oppression of black bodies now. They refuse to acknowledge the ways in which slavery has left a lasting mark on the psyche of black people, on their sense of self and their place in the world. The Dreamers tell themselves comforting myths about America, about its founding principles and its commitment to equality. They choose to ignore the fact that the very foundations of this country were built on the backs of enslaved black people. They turn a blind eye to the ongoing systemic injustices that continue to oppress black Americans, from mass incarceration to police brutality. They prefer to believe in a fairy tale version of America, where everyone has an equal chance at success and prosperity. But for black Americans, the legacy of slavery is a harsh reality that cannot be ignored. It is a burden that they carry with them every day, in the way they are treated by society, in the opportunities that are denied to them, in the violence that is inflicted upon them. The trauma of slavery has been passed down from generation to generation, leaving a deep wound that has yet to heal. Black Americans are forced to navigate a world that is still shaped by the same racist beliefs and attitudes that justified slavery in the first place. The Dreamers may choose to look away, to retreat into their illusions of a post-racial society where racism no longer exists. But for black Americans, the legacy of slavery is a painful reminder of the enduring power of white supremacy. It is a reminder that the past is never truly past, that the sins of slavery continue to haunt this country and its people. Until we confront this legacy head on, until we acknowledge the ways in which it continues to shape our lives and our society, we will never be able to move forward.
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