Archive · 1 Jun 2025
New Orleans Honors African Americans' Remains Used in Racist Research
In New Orleans, there was a special funeral for 19 African American people.
Their remains were sent to Germany a long time ago to be studied for racist ideas.
Scientists in Germany used their skulls for research that wasn't fair or accurate.
Recently, the remains were sent back to New Orleans, and they had a special ceremony to remember them.
This was a way to show respect and acknowledge a time when people were treated unfairly because of their race.
Now, they have been given a proper burial, and people are working to find out more about their lives and families.
New Orleans held a memorial and burial for 19 African Americans.
Their remains were sent to Germany in the 19th century for racist research.
The individuals died of natural causes between 1871 and 1872.
The University of Leipzig returned the remains to New Orleans in 2023.
A multifaith memorial service, including a jazz funeral, was held to honor them.
- Who
- 19 African Americans, Dillard University, the University of Leipzig, and the city of New Orleans.
- What
- A multifaith memorial service and burial of the remains of 19 African Americans whose skulls were used for racist research.
- When
- The repatriation and burial occurred recently after the remains were sent to Germany in the 19th century and returned in 2023.
- Where
- New Orleans, Louisiana, specifically at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial.
- Why
- To honor the deceased, restore dignity, and acknowledge past injustices.
- Number of People
- 19
- Cause of Death
- Natural causes
- Hospital
- Charity Hospital
- Year of Deaths
- Between 1871 and 1872
- University in Germany
- University of Leipzig
- Event Type
- Multifaith Memorial Service with Jazz Funeral