Hi everyone, Sam here.

Before we begin a quick warning,

this story contains upsetting depictions

of the inhumane history of slavery in the United States.

And additionally, while we've worked diligently

to avoid them, I would like to formally acknowledge

the potential for blind spots in our work.

I'm a white person and Vera,

who did the principal reporting for this story,

is White and Latinx.

While we worked with a diverse team of collaborators

on this project, I know this history

is impossible to fully comprehend

for those of us whose families do not bear the direct impact

of the evils of slavery.

We would never presume to offer a definitive narrative

about slavery, but we've done our best

to present this particular story

of the families affected by slavery's legacy

with deep gratitude that they wanted to share it with us.

We are grateful for the opportunity

and hope that our work can contribute

...