Who We Are
Our mission, our origins, and the values that guide every part of our work.
Defending the history, identity, and interests of our community.
American Renewal 1870 (AR1870) exists to defend, preserve, and advance the interests, history, and cultural identity of Descendants of U.S. Chattel Slavery.
We are committed to telling the stories that built this nation but were too often erased, ignored, or distorted. Through education, media, historical preservation, civic engagement, and cultural storytelling, we work to preserve the legacy, contributions, struggles, resilience, and achievements of Black Americans whose labor, sacrifice, and innovation helped shape the United States and continue to influence the world today.
At the same time, we engage in advocacy and community-based action that supports the material, educational, economic, and civic advancement of the community.
"Our mission is not only to advocate for the community, but to preserve its historical truth, strengthen its cultural foundation, and ensure future generations understand both the cost of the past and the value of the people who endured it."
The Birth of American Renewal 1870
A conversation becomes a movement
AR1870 emerged from the unfinished work of reparative justice. Its foundation began in conversations surrounding reparations on Twitter, where a small group of committed individuals came together to bring clarity, discipline, and direction to lineage-based advocacy.
Organizing in Washington State
Originally nine to ten individuals organizing in Seattle, King County, and across Washington State, this group worked to advance a precise understanding of reparations grounded in lineage — through the Freedmen Affairs Committee of the NAACP King County branch and broader coalition work.
An institution is formed
From the beginning, there was a clear understanding that this work would require its own institution. AR1870 was formed to carry that mission forward with permanence, structure, and accountability — ensuring the rights and interests of Descendants of United States Chattel Slavery are protected, enforced, and advanced.
Why "1870"
The year 1870 marks the first United States Census in which formerly enslaved Black Americans were recorded by name, establishing a verifiable anchor for lineage. AR1870 centers this standard to ensure those directly impacted by slavery are the rightful beneficiaries and architects of repair.
A study signed into law
AR1870's leadership played a role in shaping and advancing Washington State's Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush Study on Reparative Action, signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson. AR1870 now carries that work forward as both guardian and enforcer of its integrity.
The principles behind our work
At American Renewal 1870 (AR1870), our values guide how we preserve history, protect cultural identity, educate the public, and advance the interests of Descendants of U.S. Chattel Slavery.
Historical Truth & Cultural Preservation
History must be told truthfully, preserved faithfully, and protected from erasure, distortion, or appropriation.
Storytelling as Education and Power
Stories shape identity, memory, and public understanding. Storytelling is not only cultural work — it is civic work.
Cultural Integrity & Legacy
Culture should not be separated from the people who created it — we work to keep Black American culture connected to its community.
Advocacy With Purpose
Advocacy must produce meaningful impact. Our work connects historical understanding with present-day action.
Accountability & Transparency
Communities deserve honesty and responsible stewardship. Trust is built through openness, integrity, and consistency.
Verification & Documentation
We value facts, records, and evidence. Preserving history requires protecting the record.
Community-Centered Leadership
Descendants of U.S. Chattel Slavery should have a meaningful voice in the policies and narratives that affect them.
Preservation for Future Generations
Future generations deserve access to their history, identity, and cultural inheritance.
"History without preservation is forgotten.
Culture without protection becomes detached from its people.
And communities without truthful storytelling risk losing both
memory and identity."
AR1870 exists to help preserve the historical truth, cultural legacy, and continued advancement of Descendants of U.S. Chattel Slavery — so that future generations inherit not only the story of survival, but the full story of contribution, resilience, and nation-building.