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Fellow Zinn Education Project educators,
Now we are in a crucial stage. The Zinn Education Project can expand the teaching of Reconstruction at a time when the current administration seems to be enacting the Democratic Party's 1868 election slogan that screamed, "This Is a White Man's Country, White Men Shall Rule."
Students can learn about the tremendous accomplishments of an interracial coalition that brought public education, the right to vote, and other progressive laws to Blacks and whites alike.
With your help, we can create a movement to teach about the people's history of Reconstruction. We need the resources
---- for advocacy, teacher organizing, and community outreach. We plan to engage our
Teach Reconstruction campaign advisors and many of the expert scholars from the recent
PBS film on Reconstruction to lead a petition drive urging that school districts Teach Reconstruction.
As a former classroom history teacher, I know how important it is to have the interactive lessons and historical perspective that the Zinn Education Project provides. Imagine if school districts made a commitment to teach the history of Reconstruction. They could support professional development, classroom resources, and commemorations of the 150th anniversary of key events such as the 15th Amendment in 2020.
Join my "
Charney Challenge" to make a people's history of Reconstruction a reality in the nation's classrooms. Students need this history and understanding, teachers need the resources, and most importantly,
the nation needs a vision of racial justice that a deep appreciation of Reconstruction provides.
Sincerely,
Michael Charney
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