Presented by Lily Chen, DHS Curatorial Coordinator, this talk explores the complex and often overlooked history of slavery and abolition in Detroit. It traces the institution from its early forms, including Native enslavement, through the expansion of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, demonstrating how slavery became embedded in the ყოველდღian lives of 18th- and 19th-century Detroiters. The presentation examines the economic, political, and social forces that sustained slavery, as well as the ways it constructed and reinforced racialized identities. It also highlights the resistance of enslaved Africans, emphasizing their agency and the varied strategies they used to fight for freedom.
In addition, the talk considers how slavery reshaped fundamental aspects of American society, particularly gender roles and expectations around sexuality, revealing the deep and lasting impact of these systems. By connecting historical practices to modern realities, the presentation underscores how the legacies of slavery continue to influence Detroit’s collective memory and present-day social structures, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of the city’s past and its ongoing implications.