The Captive State Collection at HNOC

n this podcast episode, we spoke with Eric Seiferth about "The Captive State Collection" at the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC). The discussion delves into Louisiana's historical trajectory as the world's incarceration capital, tracing this dark legacy through three centuries of systemic oppression. The exhibit "Captive State" investigates the historical connections between slavery and mass incarceration, emphasizing how these institutions have disproportionately impacted Black Louisianians.

The exhibition is divided into two parts. The first part examines the early colonial and American periods, detailing how race-based systems of oppression—such as legislation, policing, and imprisonment—were established and solidified as New Orleans became the center of the domestic slave trade. A significant focus is placed on the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery except as punishment for a crime. This loophole allowed Louisiana to perpetuate racial control through practices like convict leasing and forced prison labor, especially at the Angola plantation.

The second part of the exhibition explores the impact of the Louisiana Constitution of 1898, which was crafted to maintain white supremacy. This era saw the rise of mass incarceration, fueled by nonunanimous jury verdicts and "tough on crime" policies, leading to an explosion in incarceration rates. The exhibit highlights the consequences of these practices, including the growing number of individuals serving life sentences without parole and the aging prison population. This section also features Lori Waselchuk's "Grace Before Dying," which documents the hospice program at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, showcasing the essential work of incarcerated volunteers.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the exhibition's reflection questions, recommended readings, and ways to get involved in addressing the issues of mass incarceration. "Captive State" was made possible through the generous support of various individuals and organizations.

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