Chapter 1: The Silent Legacy of Slavery

At times, the most profound truths are concealed in plain sight. For example, by examining the rings of a tree trunk, one can ascertain its age. Similarly, the physical attributes of Black Americans—such as skin tone, hair type, and facial features—can narrate a fraction of their ancestry. Research indicates that a significant number possess an African ancestor who was enslaved, making them living reminders of the nation’s grim past, particularly regarding chattel slavery. However, the complete story is more complex and requires a scientific perspective to fully understand.

Through generations, oral traditions among Black Americans have conveyed the harsh realities of sexual violence experienced during the era of chattel slavery. Enslaved individuals were not only subjected to labor but were often coerced into sexual acts to satisfy the desires of their enslavers. After the conclusion of the Atlantic Slave Trade, this exploitation morphed into a method o