Michael Blakey (anthropologist) facts for kids

Michael Blakey, born on February 23, 1953, is an American anthropologist. An anthropologist is a scientist who studies humans, their societies, and their cultures. Professor Blakey is especially interested in how our bodies and bones (this is called physical anthropology) can tell us about the history of African Americans.

Since 2001, he has been a special professor at the College of William & Mary. There, he leads a group called the Institute for Historical Biology. Before that, he taught at Howard University and managed their Montague Cobb Biological Anthropology Laboratory.

Early Life and Learning

Michael Blakey studied anthropology at Howard University. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1978. He then continued his studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. There, he earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1980 and his Ph.D. (a very advanced degree) in 1985. From 1987 to 1989, he was the president of the Association of Black Anthropologists.

Professor Blakey's Work

Discovering the African Burial Ground

Professor Blakey was a leader of a very important project. It was called the New York African Burial Ground Project. Today, it is known as the African Burial Ground National Monument. This site is in Lower Manhattan, a busy part of New York City.

Between 10,000 and 20,000 people of African descent were buried there in the 1700s. Professor Blakey explained that finding this burial ground showed a "false historical representation." It proved that the idea of New York and northern states not having slavery was a myth. Many educated Americans thought slavery played a small role in the northern American colonies. Professor Blakey's research helped to correct these misunderstandings.

His work showed the difficult lives of enslaved Africans. It also highlighted how these people actively resisted their harsh conditions. Professor Blakey found that these enslaved people faced very tough working conditions. They also had shorter lives and worked extremely hard. Young children often did not get enough healthy food.

Professor Blakey's team studied 27 skeletons from the burial ground. These skeletons had teeth that were filed or "culturally modified." This was a strong sign that these people were born in Africa. Before this project, only nine such skeletons had been found in all of the Americas. It is likely these individuals came to New York before 1808. That was when the importation of slaves from Africa was stopped.

His team also looked at more than 1.5 million items found at the site. These items included everything from pottery and glass to tools and children's toys. Professor Blakey's research showed that about half of the African people buried at the site were children. After his research was finished, the bones were reburied at the site. This happened in 2003. The remains were placed in 400 special wooden coffins. The ceremony was described as both joyful and sad.