Why Study Reconstruction?
The Reconstruction era was a pivotal moment in American history. Civil rights were set in motion as Americans grappled to rebuild after the division and trauma of the Civil War, raising essential questions about freedom and democracy.
Writing History's Next Chapter
Scholars Timothy McCarthy and George Lipsitz discuss the connection between our responsibilities in the world today and two historical periods: the civil rights movement and the Reconstruction era.
Feathers of Hope
Read excerpts from a plan created by Indigenous youth activists to address the legacy of colonialism and residential schools in their communities.
Feathers of Hope (Les plumes de l’espoir)
Lisez des extraits d’un plan créé par de jeunes militants autochtones pour aborder le triste héritage du colonialisme et des pensionnats autochtones dans leurs communautés.
Working Class Creatives: Excerpt One
Read an excerpt from journalist Eleanor Halls article which describes the problems faced by working-class artists and the barriers preventing them from engaging with the arts.
Working Class Creatives: Excerpt Two
Read an excerpt from journalist Eleanor Halls article which describes the barriers preventing working-class people from engaging with the arts.
The Nanjing Safety Zone
Read about the rescue efforts of a group of Westerners who created a safe place for Chinese refugees during the Nanjing atrocities.
Terrence Roberts on Segregation and Discrimination
Dr. Terrence Roberts, one of the Little Rock Nine, speaks about growing up in a segregated society and what still needs to be done to combat racism and discrimination today.
Terrence Roberts on Understanding History
Dr. Terrence Roberts, one of the Little Rock Nine, speaks about the importance of understanding the history of segregation and civil rights to combat racism and discrimination today.
The Arpilleras of Chile (with Marjorie Agosin)
Marjorie Agosin discusses women’s artistic response to Pinochet’s dictatorship in Chile.
The Definition of a Refugee
US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power explains what makes a person a refugee.