top of page
“The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do.” ~ James Baldwin
HISTORY MATTERS
Below are articles, timelines, books, and videos about the history of race and racism in the United States
Whether history was your favorite class or you hated it with a passion, the fact remains that the overwhelming majority of Americans (regardless of our background) fail to recieve a sound education in the complicated racial history of the United States.
This, of course, is no coincidence or random act. History is at the very center of the stories and myths nations create to build a unified identity and to make sure that national leaders, heroes, and the social majority always remain the "good guys"on the "right side" of history.
History can be a tool of mass deception, as much as it is a tool for liberation. It is important to take the time to inform ourselves. Above all, we must remember that we are making history now and we hold the power within each of us for great change.
TIMELINES & HISTORY OUTLINES
The "History of Racial Injustice" Timeline is an award-winning project of the Equal Justice Initiative. It covers the 1600-2010s of U.S. history and includes legal, social, political, cultural, and economic moments that have shaped race relations and communities of color in the U.S.
"Teaching A People's History" is an online initiative of the Zinn Education Project. The project, named for social justice activist and educator Howard Zinn, includes lesson plans, activities, and historical overviews by period and theme. The materials are accessible and can be used in the classroom and shared with youth. Free registration is required to access PDF curriculum materials.
The History of Racism & Immigration Timeline is a two page document listing major events from 1790-2005 outlining policies, wars, social movements, and other events in the U.S. that impacted immigrant communities of color, indigenous people, and African Americans.
The "Race: Power of An Illusion" Timeline is a project of PBS. It covers moments in U.S. history by five themes, including 'Race, Science & Social Policy', 'Evolution of an Idea', 'Changing Definitions', 'Different Rules for Whites', and 'In Search of Equality'.
The Knotted Line is a project by Evan Bissel, an artist and author. The site focues on U.S. racial history and its impacts on mass incarceration. The timeline feature is an interactive "knotted line" that reveals images and information as you scroll and click through different areas. The website also features a simple timeline in list form that provides longer articles and information on the event.
ARTICLES & BOOK LISTS
A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
(From Back cover) "Known for its lively, clear prose as well as its scholarly research, A People's History of the United States is the only volume to tell America's story from the point of view of -- and in the words of -- America's women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, working poor, and immigrant laborers."
White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson
(From Book Description) "Carefully linking historical flashpoints when social progress for African Americans was countered by deliberate and cleverly crafted opposition, Anderson pulls back the veil that has long covered actions made in the name of protecting democracy, fiscal responsibility, or protection against fraud, rendering visible the long lineage of white rage. Compelling and dramatic in the unimpeachable history it relates, 'White Rage' will add an important new dimension to the national conversation about race in America."
How White People Got Made
A brief online article that focuses on the role of socioeconomic class and class control in early America's development of a "white" race.
12 Essential Books About Race In America
The Huffington Post compiles a list of books about racial history and experiences of black Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans , and multiracial Americans
16 Books Abot Race that Every White Person Should Read
In response to shootings and protests, the Huffington Post compiled this introductory list of books for white people and allies. Yet, these books would be great reads for all Americans.
Answer Man: Rochester Had a KKK Chapter in 1920s (Post Bulletin)
The Post Bulletin's "Answer Man" discusses the history of KKK presence in Rochester in the 1920s. Also check out MPR's "From the Past: Klan's Time in Minnesota"
ViDEOS
This short animated film by the Equal Justice Initiative, outlines the history of slavery and mass incarceration.
Race: The Power of an Illusion is a 2003 PBS documentary series that discusses the development of an idea of "race" and the social reality of race in the U.S. The clip above is from Episode 3: The House We Live In. It outlines the history of immigration and race in the U.S.
The clip above is an excerpt from Legalize Democracy: A Move to Amend. The clip presents a brief history of white privilege and U.S. racial history.
The Emmy Award winning film Ethnic Notions (1987) by visionary filmmaker and gay rights activist Marlon Riggs discusses the role of popular culture in creating sterotypes and anti-black racism in the U.S. (Note: The YouTube video quality is not very strong)
"Then, history becomes a garment we can wear, and share, and not a cloak in which to hide; and time becomes a friend .” ~James Baldwin
bottom of page