Koskoff saw Lanier’s family story as the American story of slavery’s harm

Evidence

I also knew that, in my heart and bones, like I knew Congo Renty was my ancestor. Mike believed me, from the moment we first met. He also understood how my story was in so many ways the American story of slavery and the harm it has caused. He knew that in my story we could prove to the world that Renty and Delia and every single person stolen from Africa and enslaved in this country deserve to be recognized and celebrated, to be reconnected and rewarded. And more than anything, to be loved. — Tamara Lanier, From These Roots, 864