The 1619 Project

The 1619 Project’s lyrical picture book in verse, titled 'Born on the Water,' offers a deeply moving exploration of Black American history through the eyes of a young student. Tasked with creating a family tree, she initially struggles to trace her lineage beyond three generations. Her grandmother then shares a profound truth: their ancestors were forcibly brought to America in 1619 by white slave traders, severing their connection to their original land, language, and culture. The book powerfully narrates the transatlantic journey and the indomitable spirit of those who survived, emphasizing their resilience, their will to live, and their ability to forge new meanings for love, family, and home amidst unimaginable adversity. Illustrated strikingly by Nikkolas Smith and penned with evocative verse by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson, this book serves as an essential pathway for readers of all ages to reflect on the true origins of American identity, centered on the enduring legacy of Black resistance and humanity.