Tag Archives: slavery

Washington’s Last Gift to Us

Today is the anniversary of Washington’s momentous “Farewell Address.” To honor his decision to voluntarily relinquish power, here’s a Phillis Wheatley poem.

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Kindred’s Race Lessons

Butler’s “Kindred” awakens us to our racial blindnesses.

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The Deep Roots of U.S. Race Hatred

Ta-Nehisi Coates’s “Water Dancer” describes race dynamics in slave society that still operate today.

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How Weigh the Cost of the War Dead?

In “The Watchers,” Whittier honors the fallen while seeing the necessity of war to bring about freedom.

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Beloved’s War against White Supremacy

One reason the far right may hate Morrison’s “Beloved” is because a Black woman resists attempts to control her fertility.

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Les Misérables Aided Civil War Soldiers

Hugo’s “Les Misérables” was a hit with Civil War soldiers. An article explores the reasons why.

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Plantations that Bury Their Black Past

Two black authors (Clifton, McQueen) report similar experiences when visiting southern plantations: the erasure of slave history.

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Uncle Tom’s Cabin Changed History

“Uncle Tom’s Cabin” changed history. But is it a great work of literature?

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The Moment Has Come to Decide

Educator Diane Ravitch’s favorite poem include two 19th century oldies that get at a teacher’s sense of mission.

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