Department of Justice "Peonage Files"

Please join host and author Antoinette Harrell as she discuss her new book soon to be released entitled "Department of Justice" this book reveals  files from Record Group 60: General Records of the Department of Justice. I790-1989, Class 50 Litigation cases files where created or accumlated by the Civil Rights Division is carrying out the Department of Justice (DOJ) responsibilites  in matters arising under statutes implementing the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution. 

This series consists of litigation case files that cover matters arising from violations of statutes implementing the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which outlaws slavery and certain forms of involuntary servitude. The files pertain to complaints made by persons (victims) who were being held against their will or forced to work off debts through threats and intimidation by employers or others (subjects). Most of the victims were Negroes who were physically forced or sometimes beaten to return to former employers to work off their debts. 

Please tune in tonight as the host and author discuss this topic.