From the depths of enslavement in 19th century Africa to the struggle to bring civil rights to Louisiana as a black man in the 1860s, the journey of Edouard Tinchant’s family captivated about 100 attendees Tuesday afternoon.”What we’re trying to do is find different ways of exploring the understanding of rights that different people develop,” said Rebecca J. Scott, Guggenheim scholar and most recent recipient of the University Medal. “If the bonds of slavery were removed, … what remained? Did the bonds, once removed, reveal the presence of a person?”Scott, the Charles Gibson Distinguished University professor of history and professor of law at University of Michigan, presented a talk titled “Freedom Papers” as part of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Lectureship Series — a talk that paid homage to Louisiana’s colorful history.”It’s a particular pleasure to be able to talk with people in Louisiana about the extraordinary richness of reconstruction history in the state,” Scott said. “The drama of the 1868 Louisiana Constitution and the extraordinary progressive and open-minded quality of that constitution is something that actually is there to be recaptured and appreciated.”The talk was based on Scott’s most recent book, “Degrees of Freedom.” The book has been honored with the Frederick Douglass Book Prize and the Williams Prize in Louisiana History. Todd Pourciau, assistant vice chancellor of Research and Economic Development, commended Scott for her poise during her time at the University.”It’s amazing. I’ve not seen her stumble once,” Pourciau said. “She gathers information from people and then begins to talk to them about what they’re doing.”Doris Carver, associate vice chancellor of Research and Economic Development, said speakers for the Chancellor’s Distinguished Lectureship Series are selected after faculty members are asked for nominations. A University-wide selection committee selected Scott after her nomination.The series is paid for by donations raised by Chancellor Michael Martin specifically to bring speakers to the University.During the remainder of her time in town, Scott said she will continue her tour of the University — and make plans to return to the campus.—-Contact Lindsey Meaux at [email protected]