Reap the Forgotten Harvest | Remi Kapo | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Remi Kapo discusses the need to rewrite the history of slavery in England and argues for a more comprehensive understanding that includes all perspectives. He highlights the importance of novels in fostering understanding and unity, rather than guilt or anger.

Transcript

RICHARD CUMMINS: Hi, everyone. Thanks for coming today. As part of Black Googler Network, my name is Richard Cummins. This is our first collaboration with Talks at Google. We're very welcome and thankful for Remi Kapo coming in today and speaking during Black History Month about his new book and also an introduction to his life as well. So big roun... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 Remi Kapo highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the history of slavery, including the business of slavery and the involvement of both black and white communities.
• ❓ He emphasizes the importance of novels in promoting understanding and empathy by focusing on stories of compassion and unity.
• 😒 Kapo encourages the release of historical records and the use of technology, such as DNA mapping, to uncover and share more accurate and inclusive histories.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Remi Kapo feel compelled to write a novel about slavery?

Remi Kapo wanted to write a novel to captivate and engage both black and white readers, focusing on the stories of compassion, humanity, and unity that emerged from the horrors of slavery. He believes that novels can promote understanding and offer a fresh perspective on the issue.

Q: Why does Kapo emphasize the importance of understanding the role of the masses in slavery?

Kapo highlights that the majority of people in England had little to do with slavery and were also victims of enslavement in the form of exploitative working conditions. By acknowledging the role of the masses, Kapo aims to challenge the perception that every white family had an involvement in slavery and promote a more nuanced understanding of history.

Q: Does Remi Kapo believe that England should feel guilt or anger about slavery?

No, Kapo argues that guilt and anger are unproductive emotions that hinder progress and unity. He believes that it is time to move past those emotions and focus on understanding and reconciliation, as the history of slavery affects everyone and should be a unifying experience rather than a divisive one.

Q: How does Remi Kapo view the role of Black History Month in the future?

Kapo suggests that Black History Month should eventually cease to exist as history should be presented as a unified whole. He believes that Black History Month is important for now to remind people of the contributions and experiences of black people, but the goal should be to integrate black history into mainstream history education.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Remi Kapo shares his personal journey and experiences, from being a cadet officer to becoming a navigation officer, highlighting the challenges faced by black navigation officers in England.

• He emphasizes the lack of historical information on the business of slavery, the mechanisms, and the involvement of both the educated minority and the masses on the West African coast.

• Kapo discusses the need to write a comprehensive history of slavery, including stories of compassion and unity, to promote understanding and shed the burden of guilt and anger.