Attorney Ben Crump, Tamara Lanier to Join International African American Museum for Unveiling of 1850 Daguerreotypes of Enslaved Africans Returned to Their Families from Harvard University

Black Press Media USA

CHARLESTON, S.C. (March 10, 2026) –– Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump will join Tamara Lanier, the descendant of the enslaved man known as Renty (“Papa Renty”) and his daughter Delia, and leaders of the International African American Museum (IAAM) for a news conference Wednesday. The event will include a ceremonial unveiling of the historic 1850 daguerreotypes recently relinquished by Harvard University as part of a settlement following a landmark Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision in Lanier’s lawsuit. The unveiling is especially significant because it marks the return of the images to South Carolina, where they were taken in 1850.

“Papa Renty and Delia were exploited to promote a racist lie, but their images are no longer held by the institution whose forefathers profited from their suffering,” said Attorney Ben Crump. “This homecoming to the IAAM is about truth, dignity, and ensuring their descendants can tell their story on their own terms.”

The program will include remarks and a ceremonial unveiling, followed by a blessing ceremony and a moderated Q&A.

Media credential check-in begins at 1:30 p.m. ET.

WHO:Tamara Lanier and familyAttorney Ben CrumpRev. Nelson B. Rivers IIIDr. Tonya M. Matthews, president and CEO, International African American MuseumMalika Pryor, chief learning and engagement officer, International African American MuseumAshlei Elise, chief marketing officer, International African American Museum

WHEN:Wednesday, March 11, 2026Media credential check-in: 1:30 p.m. ETProgram begins: 2:00 p.m. ET

WHERE:International African American MuseumCenter for Family History14 Wharfside St.Charleston, SC

Note: Following the initial program in the Center for Family History, guests and media will transition to the Tide Tribute for the blessing ceremony and moderated Q&A.

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MEDIA CONTACT:press@bencrump.com