THE CASE FOR THE 1619 PROJECT: ADDRESSING CRITICISMS

Lincoln Was Not Black Americans’ White Savior

The Emancipation Proclamation is only part of the story

Illustration of Abraham Lincoln created by a brilliant artist, WEOC member, and EIC of Le Fool— Jee Young Park

Abraham Lincoln did not believe in maintaining the institution of slavery. That much is clear, and Nikole-Hannah Jones’ 1619 Project does not take that away from him. What it does is paint a clear-eyed picture of Lincoln’s ideas concerning race. He was not an anti-racist and, most importantly, did not view Black people as equal.

Lincoln viewed slavery as barbaric. Yet, he did not want Black people to prosper in the land of milk and honey. Understanding that nuance is needed in American society clings to white heroes even when history reveals racist beliefs and traditions.

One of the most notable critiques of the 1619 Project comes from Hannah-Jones’ essay entitled, “America Wasn’t a Democracy Until Black Americans Made It One.” In her article, she describes the hypocrisy latent throughout American history. White people fought for their freedom while failing to realize the value of Black liberty. In the modern era, many Black Americans celebrate Juneteenth in lieu of July fourth because freedom for some is not the same as freedom for all.

Africans did not come to this land in…