Sunday, December 22, 2024
Columbia

Say Their Names; Renty and Delia

They are photos of Renty and his daughter, Delia. They are slave photos taken in South Carolina, and they were posed shirtless and were photographed from varying angles. These images have been identified as some of the earliest photos of American slaves, and Harvard University has been profiting from the display of these photos and ignoring requests from descendants to turn over the images to family members. Tamara Lanier believes these images are of two of her ancestors. She grew up hearing stories from her mom about Renty teaching himself to read and having a secret bible while on a plantation in Columbia, South Carolina. Renty was described as “small in stature but towering in the minds of those who knew him.” Lanier has verified her genealogical connection to Renty, and says this is her great-great-great-grandfather.

Tamera Lanier has sent requests to Harvard University twice, for the images to be turned over to her, and Harvard has ignored her requests. Now, Lanier is suing this “prestigious” university for “wrongful seizure, possession and expropriation” that she says depicts her family. In her lawsuit, she is demanding that Harvard turn over these photos, acknowledge her ancestry, and pay damages of an unspecified sum. Spokesperson for Harvard, Jonathan Swain, said in a statement, “the University has not yet been served, and with that is in no position to comment on this complaint.”

These 1850 daguerreotypes, which is defined as an early type of photo, were commissioned by biologist Louis Agassiz, a Harvard biologist. In the lawsuit, it states:

“Agassiz came across these photos while touring plantations in search of racially “pure” slaves born in Africa. To Agassiz, Renty and Delia were nothing more than research specimens. The violence of compelling them to participate in a degrading exercise designed to prove their own subhuman status would not have occurred to him, let alone mattered.”

Lanier believes her ancestors have been exploited by Harvard University. They have used these photos at conferences and they require what has been called a “hefty” licensing fee, to reproduce these images. Renty’s photo can also be found in a book sold by Harvard University. In Lanier’s suit, she is also demanding that Harvard acknowledge its responsibility of humiliating Renty and Delia, and that they are “complicit in perpetuating and justifying the institution of slavery.” The suit also says that Harvard cannot legally own these photos because Agassiz didn’t have his subjects’ consent and had no right to give them to Harvard; the photos should have been given to Renty and Delia’s next of kin.

Most importantly, Lanier believes that Harvard University violates the 13th amendment which abolished slavery. Why? Because Renty would be considered a 169 year slave according to civil rights attorney, Benjamin Crump. By ignoring the descendant’s requests and making a profit from Renty and Delia, Harvard is still profiting from the free labor of slavery. Attorney Crump asks, “how long will it be before Harvard finally frees Renty?

Lanier hopes to have the photos of her ancestors, and she wants to tell the real story of who her great-great-great-grandfather was. She also hopes this sparks a discussion on race and history. “This case is important because it will test the moral climate of this country, and force htis coutnry to reckon with its long history of racism”, Lanier said during a news conference. By ignoring Lanier’s numerous requests, Harvard is continuing to capitalize on slavery.

Syllabus Magazine, the Carolina’s source for Music, Culture and Fashion

We truly feel like we would be doing a disservice to the community if we didnt let the people know that on June 19, 2015 – you can get your “Free Lunch”. No, this is not an actual free lunch, this is a lyrical and spiritual free lunch. A few weeks back, we were invited to a special listening session for the new album, and all I can say is that …. damnit! We got to get behind this – like now! Many of us from the Lowcountry, for whatever reason, are just catching wind of Benjamin Starr, but this artist has a unique sound that you simply will not find anywhere else. Born in the Lowcountry, its exciting to see an artist of this calibur. If you still love lyrics, content, wordplay and real messages but you appreciate moments of trap motivation laced with mixtures of consciousness- then THIS is what you need in your life. “Free Lunch” will be available June 19th for purchase on iTunes, Bandcamp and his website bennystarr.com.

Free Lunch Cover - Front

Free Lunch Cover-Back

Voted SC’s most “slept on” artist? Really? Y’all better #StayWoke – Just check out this new visual in this week’s edition of #RotationTuesday. I remeber when I heard THIS Devil’s Food Track, probably about a year ago and was like “Dayamm”, welp once again, Benjamin Starr will have you cussin…but only because ALLAH is so dope…enjoy!

Syllabus Magazine, the Carolina’s source for Music, Culture and Fashion

South Carolina passing Marijuana Legislation, it’s hard to believe and hard to say if ANY legislation will pass, but here are 10 important facts you should know:

(1) 2 new measures are in place that would DECRIMINALIZE cannabis and would also create a medical cannabis program in SC, The first is thePut Patients First Act – patients w/ serious health issues can GROW & POSSESS cannabis. These patients will also have access to safe and reliable ways of obtaining their “medicine”.

(2) The second is the Decriminalization Bill – people caught w/ 1 ounce or less would only pay a FINE, like a speeding ticket, and not be JAILED.

(3) A restictive bill was passed last June, allowing on CBD based cannabis for people w/ severe epilepsy.

(4) ABC News 4 Poll says majority of SC voters are in favor of allowing seriously ill patients access to medical marijuana

(5) South Carolina is one of the first in the southeast aiming for a medical marijuana program

So do you believe Nicki Haley will actually back this type of legislation? #sideeye

Syllabus Magazine, the Carolina’s source for Music, Culture and Fashion

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I’ve been looking for a story like this ALL WEEK! I came across this video, and was so excited! If you’re a mom and you’re tired of your girls constantly losing their hair bows because the snaps on the bows aren’t sturdy enough – this mom/daughter have created a perfect solution for you!

Its a double-sided hair bow that provides that added security, so girls dont have to worry about losing their hair bows so often. Check out the video and visit your Walgreens and support Gabby Bows!

http://gabbybows.com/

We need Gabby Bows in Charleston!!

Syllabus Magazine, the Carolina’s source for Music, Culture and Fashion

Check out Photographer LeRoy (of Pixel Studios)’off the cuff’ interview with Marcus Allen featured in the June 2014 issue of Syllabus! Marcus has some exciting things happening this summer – so make sure you check him out in the upcoming issue!

We are excited to Feature singer Marcus Allen in the June 2014 edition of Syllabus. His consistency, professionalism and talent is undeniable.

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Syllabus Magazine, the Carolina’s source for Music, Culture and Fashion

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