Chattel slavery was the brutal system that forcibly enslaved millions of African people in the Americas for centuries. This form of slavery treated enslaved individuals as property that could be bought, sold, inherited, or traded like livestock. Chattel slaves were considered to have no rights or autonomy and were subjected to severe exploitation, violence, and dehumanization by their owners.

In the United States, chattel slavery was legally sanctioned and institutionalized, particularly in the southern states where enslaved African people were used for labor on plantations producing crops like cotton, tobacco, and sugar. Enslaved individuals were not considered human beings under the law and had no legal protections. Families were frequently separated, and enslaved people faced harsh living conditions, brutal punishment, and constant oppression.

Chattel slavery was a key driver of the transatlantic slave trade, which forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas under horrific conditions. The legacy of chattel slavery continues to impact Black communities today, as it has resulted in systemic racism, inequality, and ongoing social and economic disparities.

The abolition of chattel slavery in the United States came with the end of the Civil War and the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865. However, the effects of slavery and racial discrimination persist, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to address systemic racism and work towards equity and justice for Black people.