A Conversation with Robert Colby: Slavery, the Civil War, and the Hidden History of Slave Trading

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What if one of the biggest assumptions we make about slavery during the Civil War is incomplete?

In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta sits down with historian Robert Colby to discuss his groundbreaking research on slave trading during the Civil War and his book, An Unholy Traffic. Together, they unpack how the domestic slave trade continued even during wartime, what that reveals about Confederate motivations, and how enslaved people navigated impossible choices in pursuit of freedom. 

Robert shares how growing up near Civil War battlefields sparked his love of history and why the contradictions of slavery in American democracy led him to study the Civil War era and the institution of slavery. He also explains how archival discoveries, especially Confederate letters, led him to uncover evidence that enslaved people continued to be bought and sold throughout the war, despite assumptions that the practice had effectively ended when fighting began. 

Kenyatta and Robert explore:

•  Why slave trading continued during the Civil War and what that reveals about Confederate goals 
•  How enslaved people faced the constant threat of forced sale while pursuing freedom 
•  The role Confederate letters and military records play in understanding enslaved lives and motivations of enslavers 
•  Why genealogists should consider Confederate letters, military records, and the records of the Freedmen's Bureau in their research 
•  How cities like New Orleans, Charleston, Richmond, and Atlanta became key locations in wartime slave trading networks 
•  Why the uncertainty at the end of the war and the transition from slavery to freedom deserves more study 

This conversation challenges listeners to rethink slavery during wartime, Reconstruction, and even how we approach genealogy research. Whether you’re a family historian, Civil War enthusiast, or someone interested in the lived realities of enslavement, this episode offers new perspectives and important questions to consider. 

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

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Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta. 

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

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