by Gavin Wright | Bonus, Season 1
Over the course of our series, you’ll hear first-hand accounts from African Americans who defined what everyday freedom meant during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Historical archives don’t always paint a complete picture of a person’s life. With the...
by Gavin Wright | Narratives, Season 1
As Black Americans ventured into the new lives made available to them by their hard-earned freedom, they continued to face relentless opposition—overtly from ex-Confederates, and more subtly from indifferent whites who viewed the end of enslavement as the end of the...
by Gavin Wright | Interviews, Season 1
Kidada speaks with the professor and historian about how, even though rights being granted to African Americans through the passage of the 13th Amendment and the Civil Rights Act of 1866 was a solid foundation to build from, it was little more than that without...
by Gavin Wright | Interviews, Season 1
Kidada speaks with the Reverend and author about the evolution of the Black church in America, coming out of the numerous West and Central African faith traditions that were preserved and, in many cases, married with Christianity. They also discuss the role of the...
by Gavin Wright | Narratives, Season 1
The Civil War marked one of the most dramatic state changes in how Black people practiced their faith. Those born or living free in the North had long had the option to choose which church to join. But, prior to emancipation, going to formal church service in the...
by Gavin Wright | Narratives, Season 1
African Americans knew that, even with the abolition of slavery through the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, they would still need to pursue additional rights and protections under the law if they were to enjoy the full benefits of freedom. Following emancipation,...
by Gavin Wright | Interviews, Season 1
Kidada speaks with the historian and professor about how African American families have passed down their histories from generation to generation, and the differences between those who were free people of color and those who had been enslaved. We also hear how many of...
by Gavin Wright | Narratives, Season 1
Literacy and formal education were illegal for African Americans in many states during the Civil War. Even following emancipation, when it became legal to learn to read and write publicly, there were often extreme consequences. Regardless, Black people throughout the...
