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One of the earliest speeches by a Black woman advocating for abolition and racial uplift. Stewart urged African Americans to demand education, economic empowerment, and equality. -
One of the first American women, Black or white, to publicly speak on abolition and women’s rights, Stewart encouraged African Americans to pursue education and economic independence. She delivered speeches challenging both racial and gender oppression, paving the way for future activists. -
A former enslaved man who became one of the most influential abolitionists, Douglass used his powerful speeches and writings to advocate for the end of slavery. He published The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and founded The North Star, an anti-slavery newspaper. He also advised Abraham Lincoln and fought for Black rights during and after the Civil War. -
This speech powerfully criticized the hypocrisy of a nation celebrating freedom while keeping millions enslaved. Douglass highlighted the moral and political contradictions in America’s treatment of Black people. -
Issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, this executive order declared enslaved people in Confederate states free. While it didn’t immediately end slavery, it was a critical step in the abolition movement and redefined the war’s purpose to include the fight for freedom. -
Following the Civil War, Reconstruction aimed to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society as free citizens. During this period, Black Americans gained new rights, including citizenship and voting, but faced violent resistance and the rise of discriminatory laws like Black Codes and Jim Crow. -
On March 4, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his Second Inaugural Address, just weeks before the end of the Civil War. In this speech, he reflected on the causes of the war, condemned slavery, and urged national healing with the famous words, "With malice toward none; with charity for all." His address emphasized unity and set the stage for Reconstruction. -
A groundbreaking exposé on the reality of lynching in the U.S. Wells debunked myths used to justify racial violence and called for resistance against mob rule. -
A journalist and activist, Wells exposed the horrors of lynching through investigative reporting and public speaking. She helped lead the anti-lynching movement and co-founded the NAACP. Her fearless activism brought national attention to racial violence in America. -
A short story about Delia, a hardworking Black woman trapped in an abusive marriage. Her husband’s cruelty and betrayal ultimately lead to his downfall. The story highlights themes of resilience, justice, and female empowerment. -
A series of violent clashes in Los Angeles between U.S. servicemen and young Mexican American men, who were targeted for wearing "zoot suits." Though primarily affecting Mexican Americans, the riots reflected widespread racial discrimination and hostility toward nonwhite communities during World War II. -
A landmark Supreme Court decision that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This ruling overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and provided momentum for the Civil Rights Movement by legally challenging segregation across the country. -
Written as a letter to his nephew, Baldwin reflects on the struggles Black people face in America. He warns of systemic racism but encourages his nephew to resist oppression with dignity and love. His message remains relevant in discussions of racial justice today. -
A key literary figure during the Civil Rights Movement, Baldwin used his novels, essays, and speeches to highlight racial injustice in America. His works, such as The Fire Next Time, challenged white Americans to confront racism and inspired Black activists. He played a major role in shaping the intellectual foundation of the movement. -
This historic legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It ended segregation in public places and prohibited employment discrimination, marking a significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement. -
Inspired by Baldwin’s work, this book is written as a letter to Coates’ son about growing up Black in America. He explores the historical and ongoing impacts of racism, particularly in policing and systemic injustice. The book became a defining work in modern racial discourse. -
Coates published Between the World and Me on July 14, 2015, which became one of the most influential modern works on systemic racism. He continues to shape conversations on racial justice today. -
Rothstein uncovers how government policies, such as redlining and discriminatory housing laws, created racial segregation. He argues that these policies led to lasting racial inequality in America. His work challenges the belief that segregation was purely a result of private prejudice.