Today, I listened to my peers speak about the negatives and positives of the Reconstruction Era in America. Both sides handled their topics well and were able to teach others the main points of their topic. All the speeches were interesting and engaging, and they taught me new information I had never learned before regarding the Reconstruction Era.
The first group to speak discussed the negative events that took place during Reconstruction. Firstly, they talked about the Wilmington Massacre of 1898, where white supremacists targeted black-owned businesses and households, intending to destroy them and dismantle the biracial government. Sadly, between sixty and three hundred black citizens died due to this horrific event. Also, this was the only known violent overthrow of an elected government. Additionally, "sundown towns" were discussed. These were towns that banned non-white individuals from entering after dark. This led to many lynchings and cruel acts toward African Americans. Emmit Till, who was brutally killed due to lynchings regarding false accusations, was mentioned.
Although many negatives were presented, the second group informed us of all of the positives during reconstruction. One was Executive Order 9981 signed by the president during that time, Harry Truman. This order mandated the desegregation of the United States military, helping to move society along in a progressive manner. Prior to this being signed into law blacks were assigned to positions as cooks or laborers. We learned about Porgy and Bess, the first African American opera. Prompting a push for desegregation and for the end of white actors portraying black characters. The opera revolves around a disabled man who helps a woman move on from her toxic relationship.
These historical events taught in class gave me greater knowledge about the Reconstruction Era, providing both positive and negative events. They highlighted how far we have come as a country since this time.
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