Black History

The Declaration of Independence We Rarely Discuss Most Americans are familiar with the opening words of the Declaration of Independence: “All men are created equal” and are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These ideals have inspired democratic movements around the world and remain central to the American

History Is Never Really Past The American story is often described as a steady march toward greater freedom and equality. History, however, shows that progress is rarely a straight line. Periods of social and political advancement have often been followed by resistance and efforts to preserve existing systems of power. As James Baldwin observed, history

The Foundations of American Democracy The White House and the United States Capitol are among the most recognizable symbols of American democracy and freedom. Millions of people visit these landmarks each year, often unaware that much of the labor used to build them was performed by enslaved African Americans. Their contributions were significant and well

A Complex and Often Overlooked History American slavery is often discussed as a conflict between Black and White Americans, but the historical reality is far more complex. Several Native American nations, particularly the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminole, participated in the institution of slavery. In some cases, they adopted economic and social practices

More Than a Victim History often remembers tragic events while forgetting the humanity of the people who lived them. James Byrd Jr. is one such person. Before his name became associated with one of the most horrific hate crimes in modern American history, he was simply “Son” to the people of Jasper, Texas. He was

A Dangerous Narrative in American History In 1897, Rebecca Latimer Felton of Georgia delivered a speech that revealed how racial fear and political rhetoric were used to justify violence against African Americans. Although she would later become the first woman to serve in the United States Senate, she is also remembered for publicly defending the

A Legacy Hidden in Plain Sight Most people have benefited from modern medicine in ways they rarely stop to consider. If you or someone you love has ever received donated blood during surgery, survived a serious accident, undergone cancer treatment, experienced complications during childbirth, or received emergency medical care, there is a good chance that