The Other '68: Black Power During Reconstruction

By Adam Sanchez

 

From the urban rebellions to the salute at the Olympics, commemorations of 1968 ---- a pivotal year of Black Power ---- have appeared in news headlines throughout this anniversary year. Yet 2018 also marks the 150th anniversary of 1868 ---- the height of Black Power during Reconstruction.

It's not surprising this anniversary has been ignored. Reconstruction is given short shrift in classrooms across the country and history textbooks tend to focus their narrative on the battles between the president and Congress. The year 1868 comes up in textbooks as significant only because of the election of Ulysses S. Grant. This focus on those at the top misses the groundswell of activity that made the year so explosive.

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"The Other '68: Black Power During Reconstruction" is the newest article in the Zinn Education Project's If We Knew Our History series, posted at Common Dreams. You can help us reach a wider audience
in three easy steps:

NEW LESSON

When the Impossible Suddenly Became Possible: A Reconstruction Mixer By Adam Sanchez and Nqobile Mthethwa A mixer role play that explores the connections between different social movements during Reconstruction.

STUDENT PROJECT

Make Reconstruction Visible The Make Reconstruction History Visible project is an opportunity for students and teachers to identify and advocate in their communities for public recognition of Reconstruction history and the significant accomplishments made by newly freed people and their white allies. As part of the Teach Reconstruction campaign, this project helps students learn about this vital period in U.S. history while also playing an active role in giving visibility to an era that has been hidden or misrepresented for too long.