Lanier frames the Renty v. Harvard case as the restitution of enslaved cultural property

Evidence

And finally, I am grateful beyond measure to all the scores of people worldwide who are inspired by my Papa Renty and who want to see a fair and just conclusion for him and his daughter Delia. I’m claiming this victory in advance! The cultural property of my enslaved ancestors will ultimately find a fitting final resting place. A place that celebrates their legacy and restores their humanity. — Tamara Lanier, From These Roots, 1392

Categorization

• SEED: Possible closing framing for a piece on cultural property restitution: the claim that photographs of enslaved people constitute cultural property owed a ‘final resting place’ that restores humanity.