POV Season 21 Episode 1 Traces of the Trade

The POV season 21 episode 1, titled Traces of the Trade, is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the complex legacy of slavery in America. The film follows the journey of a group of descendants of the DeWolf family, one of the largest slave trading families in America's history, as they trace their ancestors' footsteps from Rhode Island to Ghana, where their ancestors were captured and sold into slavery.

Through interviews, personal stories, and historical research, viewers gain a deep understanding of the long-lasting effects of slavery on both institutions and individuals. The film does not hold back in examining the truth about the brutal legacy of slavery and how it has impacted the country in ways that last to this day.

The narrative begins with the DeWolf family descendants' desire to confront their family's past. Their ancestors' legacy weighs heavily on them, and they feel it is their responsibility to uncover the truth of what happened and take steps to make amends. Through interviews, viewers begin to understand the complexity of the family's past and how they profited from the slave trade. The documentary takes a balanced approach to the family, showing both their remorse for what their ancestors did and their struggles with the past's emotional weight.

Viewers are then taken on a journey with the DeWolf family as they travel to Ghana, where they visit the ghastly dungeons where their ancestors were held captive before being forced onto ships bound for America. They also meet with community leaders and scholars who provide a broader perspective on the impact of the Atlantic slave trade on African nations. The trip to Ghana offers a chance for the DeWolf family to reconcile their family history with the larger world history.

As the film progresses, it delves deeper into the slavery trade's impact on the US economy, society, and identity. The documentary makes a compelling argument that the institution of slavery was instrumental in the creation of the US economy. The film shows how the profits from slavery were used to finance economic growth, from the mills and factories that powered the industrial revolution to the founding of universities. It also explores how slavery impacted the American identity, pointing out how racial inequality persists to this day and how the legacy of slavery echoes through institutions and ideas.

Traces of the Trade is an essential and timely documentary that provides a powerful commentary on the legacy of slavery and how it continues to shape American society. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complex and lasting effects of slavery, both in America and around the world. From the gruesome realities of the slave trade to the personal story of one family coming to terms with their painful past, the POV season 21 episode 1 is a revelatory and moving film that offers a glimpse into a world that still grapples with the aftermath of slavery. It implores viewers to carry the legacy of slavery with them and never forget the past to make sure it never happens again.