damn.

While it is an interesting illustration of the historical realities of the time, I am not sure why this would be surprising to anybody. North Carolina was a slave state before the civil war, so obviously there would have been slave auctions.

This is totally surreal...and I'm glad I live in a society that's socialized me to feel that way upon seeing it. That's a sign of progress, at least.

This is from the eve of the Civil War. Lincoln was elected in 1860 (but not by North Carolina). I'm no historian, but I bet that by October 1859, people were already talking about emancipation and the potential for war.

It's also an interesting reminder of what exactly it meant to be a slave. This ad is not only advertising slaves for sale, but also kitchen furniture.

there was a silent version of Uncle Tom's Cabin on last night, all I kept thinking was what an amazing turn around this country has taken in less than 150 years.

I have grown up seeing this kind of thing, as my relatives always wanted me to know about my history. What is surprising to me is that for any well educated person this post would be the first time they have seen such an image. Instead of "progress" (e.g., we Blacks cannot be advertised for sale this way) this is a sign of how far we have yet to go (e.g., too many people live most of their lives protected from realities like this).

this was painful to read.

America wishes they cold bring back slavery as the remnants still exist