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.
Roosevelt Williams Recalls Voting in Alabama
Roosevelt Williams describes voting in segregated Alabama in the 1930s and 1940s.
The Spirit of Liberty
Judge Learned Hand, a federal judge and legal thinker, reflects on the roles of the law and citizens’ hearts and minds in upholding liberty.
Stanford Sexual Assault Victim’s Statement
Read an excerpt from Chanel Miller's powerful and courageous victim statement, which she read out in court during her attacker Brock Turner's trial.
"Where I'm From" by Melanie Poonai
In her poem, Melanie Poonai reflects on her identity, and all the factors that have helped shape who she is.
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.
Is It a Crime for Women to Vote?
Read the speech Susan B. Anthony delivered after being arrested for voting in a presidential election before women had gained the right to vote.
Is It a Crime for Women to Vote? (en español)
In Spanish, read the speech Susan B. Anthony delivered after being arrested for voting in a presidential election before women had gained the right to vote.
"How to Bloom in Dark Places” by Warsan Shire
Poet Warsan Shire tells the story of a young Somali-born refugee in this poem from the film Brave Girl Rising.
Hope Frye's Testimony on Child Migrant Detention
Immigration lawyer Hope Frye describes the conditions at child migrant detention centers in her congressional hearing testimony.