|
|
||
"America's Unfinished Revolution:" Searching for Democracy and Equality through Reconstruction and the Great MigrationSpring 2006Our very successful book groups this past fall explored issues of progress, democracy, and power during the period 1880 - 1920, in the context of Progressive Era reform. This spring, Flow of History book groups will investigate roughly the same time period and many of the same themes, but from a different and very specific angle: the experiences of African Americans trying to integrate themselves into the mainstream of American life after the end of slavery. Columbia University historian Eric Foner coined the phrase "America's unfinished revolution" in reference to the high hopes, real achievements, and crushed expectations for racial equality that characterized the era of Reconstruction following the Civil War and its aftermath. Through autobiography, grassroots primary documents, historical essays, fiction, children's literature, and music, participants will be immersed in African-American culture and history, south and north, from Reconstruction to the Harlem Renaissance. Readings will include diary excerpts from Northern teachers Laura Towne (white) and Charlotte Forten (black) in South Carolina, writings from the twin pillars of Washington and DuBois; the fully restored, original edition of Black Boy by Richard Wright; turn-of-the-century black novelist Charles Chesnutt's race riot comedy of manners, The Marrow of Tradition; poetry by Langston Hughes; and maybe some Br'er Rabbit tales. If you can't register online, call the Southeast Vermont Community Learning Collaborative toll-free at: (866) 889-0042. Session 1- March 7
|
||