For 150 years, 19 Black Americans were denied peace.
They died at Charity Hospital in New Orleans between 1871 and 1872 most formerly enslaved but instead of being buried with dignity, their skulls were stolen and sent to Germany for “phrenology,” a racist pseudoscience claiming skull shape proved intelligence.
Their remains sat at Leipzig University for over a century until 2023, when the school admitted the theft and agreed to return them.
On May 31, 2025, New Orleans honored them with a traditional jazz funeral at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial. Their names — Adam Grant, Isaak Bell, Hiram Smith, William Pierson, Henry Williams, Alice Brown, Priscilla Hatchet, Marie Louise, Mahala, Samuel Prince, John Tolman, Henry Allen, Moses Willis, Henry Anderson, William Roberts, Hiram Malone, John Brown were spoken aloud for the first time in generations.
Two remain unidentified, but they are not forgotten.
They were not specimens. They were people — with families, stories, and dignity.
Now, they are finally home.#fyp #Didyouknow #history #family
Learning about the return of these 19 Black Americans’ skulls after more than a century highlights the long-lasting impact of racist pseudoscience like phrenology, which falsely claimed skull shape could determine intelligence. It’s heartbreaking to consider that these individuals, many formerly enslaved, were denied basic dignity in death, treated as mere specimens rather than people with rich histories and families. What struck me most was the significance of the traditional jazz funeral held in New Orleans, a city known for its deep cultural heritage. This ceremony didn't just mark their return; it was a powerful act of communal remembrance and healing. Their names—spoken aloud for the first time in generations—reclaim their identities and personhood. This story also reminds us how institutions like Leipzig University held onto these remains for decades, reflecting broader historical injustices. The decision to admit the theft and return the remains is a crucial step towards reparative justice. When these individuals were treated unjustly, it wasn't only a loss for their families but for society’s collective memory. Bringing them home restores a long-overdue sense of respect and closure. Reflecting on this, I feel it's important to educate ourselves and others about the dark histories behind scientific racism, not just as distant history but as a reminder of ongoing struggles for equity and dignity. This act of returning remains symbolizes hope and the possibility of acknowledging past wrongs while honoring humanity. Including the hashtags #Didyouknow #history and #family in the original post also helps draw attention to these critical topics. It’s a meaningful example of how social media can raise awareness and encourage conversations about reconciliation and historic injustices. For anyone interested in social justice, history, and healing, this story is a deeply moving testament that those who were marginalized are now being seen and remembered with the dignity they deserve.