“Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” – George Santayana

The start of Chattel Slavery in America is recognized as beginning in 1619, when approximately “20 and odd” enslaved Africans arrived on the Virginia Shores. Over the next 400 years or 40 decades, laws, practices, customs, and societal attitudes have intentionally shaped the current reality for Black people living in the United States of America. This book takes you on a 40-day journey from Chattel Slavery to the Modern Day era, with mini lessons highlighting some of the insurmountable odds Black people have faced in this country while celebrating their shocking survival. 

Each of the 40 mini lessons represents one decade of enslaved Africans and their descendants being in America. This book intends to educate, spark interest, and inspire discussions about past systems that are currently shaping reality for Black people in America. Many of today’s current political strategies are repeats of past tactics already used in America’s history. We must educate all communities on how we got to this point and how the consequences of voter suppression and other actions created today’s society.  

There is no way to fully capture over 400 years of Black history in only 40 lessons, but this book provides a comprehensive overview. It is recommended to read one mini lesson a day and is suitable for middle school aged readers and older. This is a great book for individuals or groups: parents to read with their children, teachers with their students, and book clubs to read together.  It is past time to educate ourselves and our children on the Systems That Shape(d) Black America.