11/10/2025
Wilson Chinn: A Powerful Testimony Against Inhumanity
Wilson Chinn, an enslaved individual in Louisiana, emerged as a poignant symbol of the brutality of slavery during the American Civil War era.
In 1863, photographer Myron H. Kimball captured a striking portrait of Chinn, which clearly exposed the indelible "VBM" brand. These were the initials of his owner, Volsey B. Marmillion, etched onto his forehead.
Bound by a heavy iron collar and leg shackles, and surrounded by tools of torture, the photograph starkly illustrated the dehumanization suffered by those in bo***ge. This image was widely circulated by abolitionists and featured in influential publications like Harper's Weekly, playing a crucial role in galvanizing anti-slavery sentiment.
Beyond its immediate impact, the photograph served a philanthropic purpose. Proceeds from its sale supported the education of formerly enslaved persons in the Gulf District under the command of General Nathaniel Banks.
Today, Chinn's portrait stands as a powerful testament to the horrors of chattel slavery and the enduring struggle for human dignity and freedom.
