Anthony Griffin: Shedding Light on a Dark Past

Galveston’s past holds stories that demand to be told, and Anthony Paul Griffin is bringing them to light. In The Water Cries: Uncovering the Slave Auction Houses of Galveston, Texas, Griffin dives deep into forgotten records, lost landmarks, and family histories to reveal the island’s central role in the slave trade.

A seasoned attorney and historian, Griffin has spent his career tackling tough truths—from high-profile legal battles to preserving Black history. Now, he’s challenging Galveston to confront its past and honor those who came before. Humans of Galveston connected with him to talk about his journey, his research, and what comes next for the island.

Anthony Griffin, author, "The Water Cries: Uncovering the Slave Auction Houses of Galveston, Texas"