2. A Symbol, Not a Body
The incredibly well-preserved state of Martha’s body, as well as the ability for modern science to recreate her face with such beautiful clarity, gave her case a real intimacy to modern historians and members of the black community in Queens. Seeing her face allowed people to empathize with her on a higher level and picture her day to day life and struggles in a society that may have granted her freedom but didn’t make any effort to offer equality and opportunity.
