The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story

Nonfiction | Essay Collection | Adult | Published in 2019

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Preface-Chapter 4

Chapters 5-9

Chapters 10-14

Chapters 15-18

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Nikole Hannah-Jones argues that Black Americans have been the “perfecters of democracy.” How have Black Americans contributed to the advancement of democracy in the past and present?

The text includes many historical events and figures. Choose one to explore in more detail. How does this person or event connect to one of the themes of The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story?

Where has The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story been banned or attempted to be banned? How do these book bans reflect historical efforts to suppress and oppress Black stories?

How does The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story blend contemporary and historical examples? What effect does this have on your understanding of the concepts presented? How does this strategy emphasize the impact of slavery on America’s systems and institutions?

What role does fear play in America’s racial history? How does white fear continue to impact modern politics and events? Do you agree with the book’s assessment of the role of fear? Why or why not?

What ideologies were developed on plantations by both white and Black Americans? How have these ideologies shaped contemporary culture and perceptions?

How have Black artists and musicians impacted larger American culture? How have their contributions shaped American identity?

In Chapter 12, Villarosa sheds light on the many ways the American medical field has denied, oppressed, and harmed Black citizens. Explore some of the racist ideologies perpetuated by American scientists and intellectuals. How have these ideas informed medical practice and policies?

How does the American penal system reflect a history of white supremacy? What steps can be taken to change how Americans handle crime and punishment?

10.

Does the arc of American history and future bend toward social justice, or—as expressed in Chapter 17—does this idea represent a mythology that paves the way for further racial injustice?