In 19th century Tracy City, Tennessee, slavery was “technically” over. But hundreds of Black incarcerated people were risking their lives in the mines at the Lone Rock stockade - and not by choice.
They were laboring for the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company. Its founder knew convict leasing was “an effective club to hold over the heads” of workers - who wanted to unionize and get higher wages. They were easily replaceable by incarcerated men, women, and children forced to work for free.
And who later bought them out? The U.S. Steel Corporation - founded by J.P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie, who went down in history for their massive wealth. By the turn of the century, free workers had had enough - burning several camps down, and offering the incarcerated laborers an escape.
When asked about Lone Rock in 2022, U.S. Steel said they “don’t condone the practices of a century ago,” and that they’re willing to talk with affected community members and consider a memorial plaque.
But what about financial reparations? What about generations of Black people who endured slavery and continue to endure mass incarceration?
Many institutions and businesses today are successful because they stole the labor of Black incarcerated and enslaved people. They owe us more than conversation. We deserve a future free from labor exploitation.