“Dr. Chavis shows us that the fight against the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade is not just about seeking justice for past wrongs but about dismantling the present systems of oppression that have evolved from it.” – From the Foreword by CHUCK D
The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-Year Legacy is a profound exploration of one of humanity’s darkest chapters. Co-authored by National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA) Senior National Correspondent Stacy M. Brown and renowned historian Dr. Benjamin Chavis, this book delves into the enduring impacts and legacies of the transatlantic slave trade from 1500 to 2024.
The transatlantic slave trade is a brutal scar on the face of humanity, a monstrous crime that tore millions of Africans from their homeland, dehumanized them, and built the so-called American dream on their blood, sweat, and tears.
This isn’t just history—it’s the very foundation of the systemic racism that still plagues America today. To understand the real roots of the struggle, one must return to where it all began. And that’s precisely what this book does—unflinchingly and unapologetically.
Published by Select Books, The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-Year Legacyexamines the deep and persistent consequences of slavery and lays out a path forward for economic empowerment and justice.
“This book is more than history—it is a call to action,” Chavis said. “The blood, sweat, and tears of enslaved Africans built America’s foundation, yet their descendants continue to face systemic injustice. The fight is not over.”
With book bans and efforts to erase Black history on the rise, Chavis seeks to ensure that the book reaches schools, libraries, and institutions across the country. “We refuse to allow our history to be erased,” he said. “This book will be in the hands of students, educators, and community leaders who need to know the truth.”
The book has drawn strong endorsements from cultural and sports figures, including NBA legend Isiah Thomas and Public Enemy’s Chuck D.
“Dr. Ben Chavis must continue to tell this story for future generations who must understand our history if they are to finish righting the wrongs that began over 400 years ago,” Thomas said.
Chuck D, who wrote the book’s foreword, added, “The chains of slavery may have been broken, but the shackles of systemic racism remain. If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention.”
