From These Roots: My Fight with Harvard to Reclaim My Legacy

by Tamara Lanier

One woman’s unrelenting mission to reclaim her ancestors' history and honor their lineage pits her against one of the country’s most powerful Harvard University.

Tamara Lanier grew up listening to her mother's stories about her ancestors. As Black Americans descended from enslaved people brought to America, they knew all too well how fragile the tapestry of a lineage could be. As her mother's health declined, she pushed her daughter to dig into those stories. "Tell them about Papa Renty," she would say. It was her mother's last wish. 

Thus begins one woman's remarkable commitment to document that story. Her discovery of an eighteenth-century daguerreotype at Harvard University's Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, one of the first-ever photos of enslaved people from Africa, reveals a dark-skinned man with short-cropped silver hair and chiseled cheekbones. The information read “Renty, Congo.” All at once, Lanier knew she was staring at the ancestor her mother told her so much about—Papa Renty.

In a compelling account covering more than a decade of her own research, Lanier takes us on her quest to prove her genealogical bloodline to Papa Renty's that pits her in a legal battle against Harvard and its army of lawyers. The question is, who has claim to the stories, artifacts, and remnants of America's stained history—the institutions who acquired and housed them for generations, or the descendants who have survived? 

From These Roots is not only a historical record of one woman’s lineage but a call to justice that fights for all those demanding to reclaim, honor, and lay to rest the remains of mishandled lives and memories.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, History, Race, Autobiography, Biography Memoir, American History

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

About the author

Tamara K. Lanier is a tireless champion for truth and justice—and a plaintiff in the Lanier v. Harvard reparations lawsuit. She is a descendant of Papa Renty. She is also a twenty-seven-year veteran of the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, where she retired as a Chief Probation Officer. Lanier has a long and distinguished record of public service and social advocacy. She is a board member of Connecticut’s Racial Profiling Prohibition Project, the past Vice President of the New London NAACP, and an active member of The Saint John’s Christian Church of Groton, Connecticut. Lanier has several passions, one of which is to eradicate racial and ethnic disparities in Connecticut’s Criminal Justice System and to put an end to the ugly practice of racial profiling. She has been a constant voice for change and has traveled the country promoting the need for a national dialogue relative to slavery and its impact on society. She lives in Norwich, Connecticut.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did a huge project on Tamara's story in graduate school and it's what moved me to where I stand on decolonial archival practices. This book was a great deep dive into all the hard work she's done on behalf of her ancestors. I commend her and those around her for both being able to accomplish what they have thus far for their own family AND bringing critical awareness to the continuation of colonial practices and standards at institutions who still profit from the labor of the enslaved.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book that I think should be required reading in high schools. It looks at the importance of reparations in a way I had never seen. As a white woman, I realize now more than ever that my privilege has kept me from acknowledging the depth of pain and continued discrimination that our citizens inflict on the ancestors of enslaved people. This includes through benefiting from enforced labor and segregating or discriminating minorities. I felt that Tamara Lanier really guided the reader through her process and helped unfold each discovery in such a way that the reader continues to learn and grow along with her.

I have a new understanding of ancestry, oral history, and family's rights to important historical documents. I also had to really confront my own biases and recognize the importance of believing victims and being willing to listen to new information when introduced to something that challenged my beliefs. Thanks to Netgalley for the e-arc!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, and very affecting. I don’t think I will ever forget the author’s response to a white family she visited with whose ancestors owned slaves and had cherished antiques made by an enslaved man. She had nothing passed down to her because everything her ancestors had was stolen from them including the benefits of their labor. 💔

[Book Club of One · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamara Lanier's family has a history, that history was passed down to Tamara and her children from her mother, who had it from her parents. From These Roots: My Fight With Harvard to Reclaim My Legacy is Lanier's memoir of her journey of discovery and the serendipitous connections made with those who assisted in the research. That last part with one glaring exceptions, Harvard University.

Lanier promised her mother that their family's history would be written down. To follow through on this, Lanier began to do genealogical research and was greatly helped by an ice cream shop owner near her home. He sent Lanier an article that included daguerreotypes (early photographs) of two enslaved people (Renty and Delia Taylor) that were in the collections of Harvard's Peabody Museum. From her initial view of these images Lanier knew they were of her ancestors, but from her first contact with Harvard her feelings were dismissed and her in-progress research ignored. This set the precedent of Harvard's treatment of Lanier, until 2017 when Lanier realized at a Harvard hosted conference focused on slavery that Harvard was focused on controlling the narrative and usage of the images for their own intellectual and financial benefit. Then it was time to pursue legal options over who should own these images.

As a narrator, Lanier writes wonderfully, in a very conversational style, with many potent lines, especially when sharing the conversations with her family about the findings as they unfolded. Lanier was helped by many people, her whiz of a neighbor, her daughters, the descendants of her family's enslavers, Louis Agassiz's descendants and later, key knowledgeable and capable lawyers.

An inspiring memoir of "speaking truth to power."

Recommended reading for Americans, historians and academics.

I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing and important book!!

EVERYONE should be reading this [required reading for High School comes to mind] book, and looking at their own lives to see just where they are in regards to reparations [I am 100% FOR them], generational trauma [so many have this], and decolonizing archival practices [more on this later], as well as white people [myself included] acknowledging the continued discrimination and threat of Black and Brown peoples, as well as the support of peoples and institutions [Yes, that means YOU Harvard - y'all should be ASHAMED!!!] that promote continuing slavery through said colonizing archival practices.

This book made me think, to evaluate where I stood in my own life [we ALL need to work on things in our lives, no matter who we are] as I had never heard of colonizing archival practices [boy oh boy was this a very interesting lesson - I will certainly be looking for more books to continue to learn about this abhorrent practice so I can call it out better when it crosses my path], so this was a new thing for me to address - I am absolutely FURIOUS for Ms. Lanier and how Harvard has and continues to dismiss her and her ancestral connections to the archive material and there were multiple times I wish I could just reach out and smack a lot of self-righteous people] and to make a commitment, in anyway I can [even if it is just sharing this book far and wide to make people aware], to promote Ms. Lanier and her fight for her ancestors and the return of both what was taken from them and their identities.

Brilliantly written, and laid out in a way ANYONE can understand [and if you are not angry and frustrated by all that Ms. Lanier has endured, then you SERIOUSLY need to do some self-examination of your heart and where you really stand in regards to slavery and the continued ownership of peoples], this is a must-read book for everyone and I HIGHLY recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tamara Lanier, and Crown Publishing/Crown for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a compelling read, about the ongoing battle that Lanier has had with Harvard University. It starts with Lanier's oral family history to Papa Renty and her genealogical journey to find and memorialize it, as a promise to her mother, Mattye. And it turns into this huge battle with Harvard, who owns daguerreotypes of Papa Renty and other enslaved people. Lanier chronicles her research that spans the country as well as her ongoing requests to Harvard. And, she is constantly reminded that Black bodies and Black lives are continually devalued and marginalized. Lanier fulfills her promise to her mother, with this book. And, as for Harvard - shame, shame, shame.

I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.

[Book Buying With Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating.

[Emma Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve OFFICIALLY inherited my mother’s passion for tracking our ancestral lineage. WOW. Such a powerful and relatable book…I will never forget this.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good, highly recommended.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamara Lanier took on Harvard in a reparations case that is pivotal for the ancestors of slaves in America. Her ancestor, Papa Renty was an enslaved Black African man from the Congo and her mother who was sick wanted Tamara to take down the oral history of what she remembered being passed down through the family about him. She wanted her daughter to find Papa Renty and Tamara followed through on that promise.

Tamara came across the mention of a Papa Renty in research and with it were photos, the first daguerreotypes (which were early photographic process employing an iodine-sensitized silvered plate & mercury vapor) and it was a photo of Papa Renty. The Papa Renty who was defiant, strong and who learned how to read and taught others how to read. The study that Papa Renty was used in was by a Harvard professor, Louis Agassiz who tried to argue that Black people were inferior to white people through physical science. He argued that they were not able to read or were even capable of thought. He was a horribly racist man, and his study has left lasting stereotypes of Black people to this day.

But where were these photos? Harvard had them and Tamara tried to connect with Harvard to get them to acknowledge all the information passed down through her family about Papa Renty as a person. Appealing to their humanity to counter Agassiz's narrative and provide the evidence she had of him teaching people to read, his defiance even at 13 demanding a checked shirt that is documented in paperwork by the white people that enslaved him. She worked with world renowned genealogists, hobby ones and historians alike and was able to unearth a mountain of records showing the connection she had to him and his history but still Harvard would not bend. She was not even supposed to use the image of Papa Renty in any way, but she defied that because he was her ancestor.

She fought the court and I do not want to give away too much of the case and what happened because I want you to read it first hand and experience the ups and downs that came with Tamara's fight for justice.

This book was so powerful and showcases why we CANNOT erase the history of what slavery was and its impact even today. Tamara sat down with the descendants of those that enslaved her family and ate lunch with them. She sat at the table that her ancestors made with their hands. She was able to connect with the ancestors of Agassiz and see the remorse and willingness they had to make right the wrongs of their relatives. Even if your family didn't own slaves. Even if your family didn't participate in racist studies, they were complicit in the abuse and enslavement of Black people. Healing cannot be done until reparations are made, and reparations is taking accountability, giving back and allowing the ancestors of the enslaved to have power of the artifacts and history of their loved ones. They deserve to have their histories recognized, acknowledges and made accessible to all.

I cannot stress the importance of books like this one, especially given today's fight to hide and erase Black history even more.

[Katie Mata · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

I loved this (audio)book.

Tamara's story is beautifully told by her daughter, Shonrael. The story was so easy to follow and I was immediately invested. When hearing the outcome of the first court, I was just as devastated. I was however uplifted by the support that Tamara and her family found on this journey. Particularly that of the descendants of the slave owners who had indentured her own ancestors, as well as the descendants of Agassiz. My heart broke that Tamara never got to meet Elinor Reichlin but again, I was uplifted by her meeting with Elinor's husband and hearing about Elinor's journey and finding the daguerreotypes, as well as Seymour's support. Despite the terrible treatment and actions of Harvard, Tamara's story isn't just about the daguerreotypes. It's about the importance of family history, as well as the strength of the community when it comes together, the support we can each give and how big of a difference it can make. Tamara is generous in her praise for all those who supported her during the long but well documented journey. I'm definitely going to be adding the documentary to my watch list so I can see and hear Tamara as well as her supporters in another media.

I would say the only thing that I noticed was some things were repeated a lot, such as people summing up Tamara's thoughts perfectly each time (though I do get this sentiment being someone who can struggle to express herself) or about the daguerreotypes being at the Peabody Museum.

[Mary Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, but I'll round up.

Interesting memoir of a woman's tangle with Harvard over the ownership rights to daguerreotypes made of her enslaved ancestors--pictures that were commissioned by Harvard for the express purpose of "proving" that the enslaved were actually a separate race/species of people who were conveniently suited to toiling in heat and tolerant of being subjugated.

Harvard Institution wins in the end, but they sure do stink in the process. [Much of the Harvard student body, however, was supportive of the author's quest to "Free Renty."]

The first chapters were repetitive, and I almost didn't continue, but the narrative got better as the book progressed. Brace yourself, however, for lengthy legal quotes towards the end. The issues that Ms. Lanier brings to light are important ones, and her story is well worth telling. She highlights Harvard's own complicity in US chattel slavery and gives a personal perspective on the need for reparations.

One does not have to agree with the author on reparations, of course, to appreciate her viewpoint. This is a personal memoir, not a balanced or comprehensive treatment of that particular issue.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won a paperback ARC of this title in a Goodreads giveaway. What a story! I'm so grateful that Tammy kept pursuing what was right, especially with how enormously difficult it was going against a behemoth like Harvard.

While it was infuriating, I enjoyed learning about all the steps she took to advance her case; for instance, I can’t imagine how frustrating it must have been to drive several hours to so many different events, putting in all that time and effort, only to arrive and, once again, be disregarded and insulted. Not to mention the hours of research and phone calls and emails and in-person get-togethers that she details! Her determination is truly admirable.

Unfortunately, I didn’t think the writing was the best: it was repetitive at times (especially regarding what her mom told her about their family history) and didn’t feel fully polished. And yet, it simultaneously felt like I was chatting with her over a warm drink, and that was wonderful! Overall, I’m glad I read this story and will absolutely be recommending to folks. I was thrilled, too, to learn of the positive outcome. A win-win all around!

[Bookish Babe53 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in a reading slump when I began this book. Although I was in a reading slump it benefited me: I was able to take in all this book had to offer; I didn't just plow thru it. I was able to savor every word on the page; every detail.
Tamara Lanier was steadfast and fearless in fighting for the dignity and humanity of Papa Renty and Delia. She honored her mother's wishes-- to write her family history down; to tell Papa Renty's story.
Tamara felt the insult and pain of Agassiz' Dagurreotypes and the way in which they shared and told the story. Papa Renty was more than the man in the photography. He was Congo Renty, that was able to read, who taught others. Harvard used the Dagurreotypes without honoring Tamara as being in his lineage, and without telling Papa Renty and Delia's story; without honoring their humanity.
Thank you Netgalley and Tamara Lanier for blessing me with this ARC copy.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tamara Lanier’s mother, Mattye, was the family history keeper. She knew the names and stories of relatives going back to one of their oldest known ancestors, an enslaved man known to the family as Papa Renty. After her mother’s death, Lanier tackled the enormous task of searching the historical record for her family and finally writing it all down. In From These Roots, Lanier tells us what happens when a genealogist acquaintance finds a remarkable and troubling collection of daguerreotypes at Harvard’s Peabody Museum that may contain the only known images of Lanier’s ancestors, including Papa Renty...

Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.

[B Pastore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway!

This is a true story about a person who tries to fulfill her mothers dying wish of documenting her family history. This starts her out on the discovery of her genealogy. As she begins this trek she finds the picture of her great-great-great grandfather - taken in 1850 which Harvard says they own.

She then goes through finding out her roots that connect her with her grandfather ... because Harvard wants absolute proof that she is a descendent of Papa Renty. This book goes through the story of how she gets the needed proof and ends up suing Harvard for the photographs of her family.

This is a very well written book that I highly recommend others read.

This book will be placed in our Little Free Library for others in our community to read and learn from.

[EAB · Rating 4 out of 5]

“From These Roots” by Tamara Lanier relays her saga to honor her mother’s dying wish to learn more about the family patriarch an African enslaved in SC. She eventually finds that Harvard holds an original daguerreotype of her 3rd great grandfather & his daughter. The book talks about family oral history, plunder, the provenance of who owns what & the author’s legal battle w Harvard.

I love oral histories & this book talks about how oral histories aren’t given their due by traditional academics. While specifically about Black history, it’s also about who owns the story- the people who lived it, or the academics who write about it & the moneyed powerful who benefit.

[Rachael | ☾ whimsicalfiction ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential read for any archivist, librarian or information sciences professional. This is an essential read for anyone interested in the groundbreaking field of reparations. This is an essential read for literally anyone. While there is a lot of legalese, the bones of this book is family and the importance of rich oral histories, particularly in places like the United States where it was illegal for enslaved peoples to learn how to read or write, and where it was status quo for important documents involving the enslaved to be overlooked or poorly maintained.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing overview of Lanier's journey to find and reclaim her ancestral property from Harvard. As a professional genealogy librarian, I felt this book was a humbling reminder of how academic institutions can too easily dismiss genealogists and the practice of oral history traditions, as well as the white supremacy and colonialism that is at the bedrock of American record-keeping. I appreciated hearing this story in Lanier's words first, before starting to do further research into how scholars and cultural institutions have approached the implications of this case.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harvard's control of these images only allows for the individuals in them to be seen as slaves, Tamara Lanier's control of these images would allow them to be seen as full human beings, beloved and mourned...
Harvard knows the right thing to do, it's so simple, and yet they choose not to do it- serious ick...

Ultimately the reader is so pleased for Tamara Lanier because she has reclaimed and written down her family history and it will never be lost again; she has also made it possible for others to make claims for reparations in the future.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown away

I read this book in 24 hours. There is no question Tamara Lanier inherited her ancestors’ history telling gift. This is one of the most approachable and engaging nonfiction books I’ve ever read, due both to Lanier’s writing and her determination to correct the record and make sure the world knows Congo Renty and Delia were not invisible, they were someone’s family — then and now — and they were loved.

[Lottie C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️

lots of legal jargon, quite hard to follow

[Elizabeth Fretz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wowiewow. If I weren’t already a 2L I’d say this book inspired me to go to law school. It certainly has inspired me to keep going!!

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is competent rather than amazing, but the story is incredibly compelling.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, emotional, historical. Just wish there was an index as well as a bibliography.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such an interesting but oh my is it wordy and a long book. For me there were too many names to remember. The writer is an inspiration for sure.

[Pat Carson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting!!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story but poorly written. I was excited to read this book but it quickly became very repetitive.

[Christine Simcic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting from a historical and race relations perspective.

[Tywanna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Thumbs Up!