It is noteworthy that the New York Times — arguably the most influential media outlet — has launched an unprecedented series of articles and podcasts on U.S. slavery. The decision, I’m sure, was the result of many factors, but at or near the top, I bet, is the new dialectic of racism and anti-racism that erupted in the wake of the election of President Obama in 2008 and acquired a new intensity with the election of Trump eight years.