The 272 By Rachel L. Swarns

“The 272” by Rachel L. Swarns is a profound and meticulously researched narrative that delves into the dark history of slavery in the United States, focusing specifically on the sale of 272 enslaved individuals in 1838 by the Jesuit priests who ran Georgetown University. This sale was orchestrated to save the university from financial ruin. Swarns’s book is not just a recounting of this transaction; it’s an exploration of the lives of those 272 souls, the impact of the sale on their descendants, and the repercussions that echo into the present day. The narrative weaves through history, uncovering layers of pain, resilience, and the unbreakable threads that connect the past to the present.

Unearthing the Past
The book begins by setting the stage, describing the financial difficulties facing Georgetown University in the early 19th century. The Jesuits, despite their religious teachings that emphasized the dignity of human life, made a decision that contradicted their moral framework—they chose to sell 272 human beings to plantations in Louisiana, one of the cruelest fates for enslaved people at the time, to pay off the university’s debts.

The Journey of the 272
Swarns takes us on a harrowing journey, tracing the footsteps of these men, women, and children as they were forcibly taken from what was familiar to them and sold into even harsher conditions in the Deep South. She doesn’t just list names or numbers; she gives these individuals identities, stories, and humanity. Through extensive research, she reconstructs the lives of several of these individuals, piecing together fragments of their existence from letters, church records, and legal documents.

The Legacy of Slavery
The author delves into the long-term consequences of the 1838 sale, not just for those who were sold but for their descendants. Swarns conducted hundreds of interviews and extensive genealogical research to connect the dots between the past and the present. She presents compelling narratives of the descendants of the 272, many of whom were unaware of their ancestors’ connection to Georgetown University. These personal stories add a profound and emotional depth to the narrative, highlighting the enduring legacy of slavery in the lives of Black Americans.

The University’s Reckoning
Swarns does not shy away from scrutinizing the role of Georgetown University and the Jesuits in the perpetuation of slavery. She details how the profits from the sale of the 272 were used to benefit the institution and how, for nearly two centuries, the university failed to acknowledge or reckon with this part of its history. The book explores the recent efforts by the university to confront this legacy, including the establishment of a working group to recommend how to acknowledge and make amends for its involvement in slavery.

The Call for Reparations
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the debate over reparations. Swarns provides a balanced view of the complex arguments surrounding the issue, detailing the perspectives of descendants who seek various forms of restitution, from scholarships and financial compensation to public acknowledgment of the university’s past wrongs. The discussion on reparations is nuanced and multifaceted, reflecting the broader national debate on how to address the historical injustices of slavery.

The Power of Memory and Recognition
“The 272” also highlights the power of memory and recognition. Swarns describes the emotional impact on descendants when they learn about their ancestors and the university’s acknowledgment of its past. The book illustrates how recognizing and remembering the lives of those who were enslaved can be a powerful step towards healing and reconciliation.

A Tapestry of Narratives
Throughout the book, Swarns skillfully weaves together a tapestry of narratives, connecting the past with the present. She portrays the resilience and determination of the descendants of the 272, many of whom have pursued education, built successful careers, and contributed significantly to their communities, often against considerable odds. These stories are a testament to the strength and perseverance of the human spirit.

The Moral Questions
At its core, “The 272” is a book about moral complexity. It raises difficult questions about the complicity of religious institutions in the atrocity of slavery, the moral obligations of present institutions to their historical wrongs, and the ways in which the legacy of slavery continues to shape American society. Swarns does not provide easy answers but encourages readers to reflect on these challenging issues.

The Ongoing Journey
The book concludes by emphasizing that the journey of reckoning with the past is ongoing. The efforts of Georgetown University to confront its history are just the beginning of a long and complex process of recognition, healing, and reparations. Swarns suggests that this process is not just about addressing the wrongs of the past but about understanding how those wrongs have shaped the present and will continue to influence the future.

Conclusion
“The 272” by Rachel L. Swarns is a powerful and thought-provoking book that sheds light on a dark chapter of American history. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Swarns brings to life the stories of the 272 enslaved individuals sold by Georgetown University and their descendants. She challenges readers to confront the legacy of slavery, recognize the enduring impact on the lives of Black Americans, and reflect on the moral responsibilities of institutions and individuals. This book is a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering the past, not just to honor those who suffered but to ensure that the lessons learned shape a more just and equitable future.