Life Insurance and Slavery

"Life Insurance and Slavery" by Elvin Lee Blake Thompson uncovers the hidden history of how major American insurance companies, such as Aetna and New York Life, played a role in profiting from and supporting the institution of slavery by insuring the lives of enslaved individuals and the ships transporting them. Through detailed research, the book explores how these financial practices reinforced slavery's economic structure and dehumanized millions. It also examines the modern repercussions of this history, including corporate apologies and ongoing discussions surrounding responsibility and reparations.