summary ofThe 1619 ProjectBook by Nikole Hannah-Jones

first KEY POINT

Double standards of democracy

In the history of North America was one ship with a significant role. Everyone usually thinks about the Mayflower that brought the British Pilgrims to this land in 1620. But a year earlier, another ship arrived in the port of the Virginia colony. It marked the beginning of an important era that was also one of the most tragic.So what happened in 1619?In August, The White Lion came to the shores of America, carrying several dozens of captive Africans. They were sold to the people of Virginia and were the first of those millions who will be considered enslaved people on this territory in the next 250 years.

Enslaved people brought knowledge about growing agricultural plants, treating rare diseases, and building crafts. With their labor, they developed the economy and built institutions that glorified the young American nation and democracy. But the authorities continued to ignore the rights of these people, who constituted one-fifth of the country's population.While white men (women had very few rights then) made decisions regarding their houses, careers, and presidential candidates, black people were not even considered owners of their lives. They remained powerless and invisible on the map of America, the country they created with their own hands.The 1619 Project has become a valuable investigation primarily for the author herself. Since childhood, Nikole Hannah-Jones came across success stories that featured the achievements of white people. She did not understand if her ancestors had done something to develop the economy, politics, and social sphere in the United States. The studied sources showed her that many generations of Black people were not only the basis of the growth of the mentioned areas. They also had an additional front where they fought for their freedom and equality.This summary examines the events that occurred during the era of slavery and after its abolition. It also analyzes their impact on the state of society in the modern United States without any embellishment. Instead, each section contains pure facts to allow readers to make conclusions themselves.Did you know? A 2019 Washington Post poll showed that most Americans know very little about the history of slavery. They do not have enough knowledge to share with their children, who grow up and, in turn, do not consider it necessary to study this topic.