This article explores the institutional racism that has been perpetuated and created because the U.S. was built on slavery. The effects that slavery still holds in our nation today and why it is so important to understand the lasting effects. Slavery had a profound impact on the formation and ongoing influence of the institutions that make up the United States. It played a pivotal role in shaping the economic, social, and political structures that stand today. The agrarian economy of the South, which was heavily dependent on the forced labor of enslaved people, was a major contributor to the prosperity of the country. Deeply ingrained racial hierarchy and economic dependency combined to create discriminatory practices and racial prejudices that still pervade many facets of American culture. The persistent fight for civil rights, racial inequality, and systematic injustices are all clear manifestations of the legacy of slavery. The nation's journey towards justice and equality remains intricately linked to its historical struggle with slavery, as contemporary institutions grapple with the ongoing repercussions of a deeply ingrained and troubling past. Students need to learn the causes and effects of slavery and how its influence still holds weight in America today. 

This article explains the necessity for more first-person narratives during the time of slavery to be implemented in the classroom. Textbooks that have been approved by the schools don’t garner a proper understanding of the topic. These help paint a picture of what happened during slavery and the hardships that were endured. While in school, students are taught about slavery as something that came and went and less about the impacts it had on the nation and the people who were enslaved. Having this outlet to learn about the very real pain and experiences that were had coming directly from the source helps students understand and connect to the stories and situations in ways that a simple textbook passage cannot. 

This podcast delved into the idea of making the subject of slavery in class a more humanizing one. Instead of this prevailing falseness that slavery was mutually beneficial or that it came and went without consequence. Students can have a profound grasp of the resilience, agency, and terrible impact of systemic oppression of enslaved individuals by exploring their lived experiences. Recognizing the experiences of people who lived through slavery promotes empathy, helps to break stereotypes, and upholds the core belief that every person is entitled to dignity. Through critical analysis of the historical background of slavery, students are encouraged to get a more nuanced understanding of its intricacies. Education becomes a potent tool for social justice, compassion, and a group commitment to creating a fairer future when it acknowledges the humanity within the story of slavery.

This article explains how a school started to implement an anti-racism committee. This committee was comprised of both students, teachers, and faculty. They would have guest lecturers come in and would have deeper conversations and understandings of what slavery was. This concept, although out of the classroom, is a way to get students more involved with the world around them and to allow them an outlet to explore this complex understanding that there might not always be the most sufficient amount of time to talk about in the classroom. Allowing students and teachers to come together and explore this topic with fewer boundaries inside the classroom creates an interesting and positive learning environment. Establishing a committee dedicated to exploring the history of slavery outside the traditional classroom setting provides an invaluable opportunity for students and teachers to collaboratively delve into this complex subject. By fostering open dialogue and interactive learning experiences, such a committee promotes a more comprehensive understanding of the historical context, encourages critical thinking, and facilitates a nuanced exploration of the impact of slavery on society. This approach not only enriches education but also fosters a sense of community engagement and empathy among participants.

This article lays out a format of school curriculum that could potentially be taught in a school. This layout creates a basis for understanding slavery at a deeper level that is both important to learn and critical in understanding how the nation works today. All of these topics help to fully comprehend the difficult conclusions about how our country operates and built its foundation. Not only does this potential curriculum display the effects it had on America’s economy and trade establishments but it also explores the way slavery affected foreign nations and international trade. Students must delve more deeply into the study of slavery as it represents a fundamental aspect of human history, influencing the development of societies, economies, and cultural perspectives. A comprehensive understanding of slavery fosters empathy, social consciousness, and an appreciation for the ongoing struggle for equality, providing essential insights into the complexities of systemic injustice and its enduring impact on contemporary issues. By examining the historical roots of slavery, students gain valuable tools for critically analyzing the present and actively contributing to a more just and inclusive future.