I decided to choose the reconstruction era after the civil war because during this time

tensions were high. Times were polarizing both politically and morally as African Americans

were trying to gain full freedom (something that they still struggle with today). We always hear

the term “history manages to repeat itself” and we’re seeing it more than ever today. In 2020, we

see the United States split right down the middle between “liberals” and “conservatives” and

under the Trump presidency, our country has become more polarized than ever. Looking back to

the reconstruction era will help guide us to make the right decisions in the sort of

“reconstruction” phase after Trump’s presidency.

This topic can be taught in elementary schools as a whole unit, following a civil war unit.

The civil war was such an impactful event that has happened in our country and has shaped it

into what it is today. Oftentimes, I feel like this is shoved under the rug and the reconstruction

era more so. I have never actually learned about the reconstruction era in the K-12 school system

and it makes me wonder why. Without teaching and learning about the reconstruction era,

students get the idea that “oh, the Emancipation Proclamation was passed so African Americans

must be free and are equals” which simply isn’t true. I would incorporate a lot of literature and

drama lessons into this overarching unit to ensure that students are still learning some “core”

academics.

I decided to start off with some things that led up to the reconstruction era to get sort of a

slight back story before diving in. This is seen with the receipt for a slave and the emancipation

proclamation. I then moved into some sources about President Lincoln since he was one of the

most influential people during this time. I included an account of president Lincoln’s

assasination because I feel he was a symbol of hope, unity and peace for this country during the
time and his death was a death of that hope. (Which is still true as African Americans still

struggle to live in the American system that was built against them).

I then move into some racial tensions that arise during the time through the propaganda

poster and the newspaper article of the riots in Memphis. These tensions can be seen in 2020

through all of the BLM protests and riots that happened this past summer. I also included the

diaries of Frances Anne Rollin which had some “inside knowledge” of a state legislator in South

Carolina, because it mirrors Mary Trump’s story that she wrote about her uncle in 2020. So we

have this tension arising in the country and we have some inside knowledge of the corrupt

government both in the past and in the present.

The next section I have I call the “rights protection” area which includes the document of

the 15th amendment, the picture of “The Result of the 15th Amendment” and the photo of the

first black representatives. Many people in 2020 were afraid of having a presidency that would

not protect their rights of marriage and their body. To me, this indirectly parallels the 15th

amendment getting passed to allow black men to vote. Simple things that should be rights to all

Americans were once not granted to all peoples. Then the picture showing the joy across the

african american community after the 15th amendment mirrors the celebrations in the street after

President elect Biden was declared the next president. Along with a new president elect, we have

the first transgender woman in congress and the first openly gay black man as well, which is at

the same level as the first black men being in congress. We are moving closer and closer to unity.

The last two sources found I just found interesting and relatable. The first is a picture

called “Visit of the Ku-Klux” showing a KKK member breaking into a black family’s home.

This reminded me of 2020 because of the hateful white supremacy groups such as the proud boys

making a comeback. These groups instill fear into others by openly baring arms, being violent,
and displaying symbols of hate and racism such as the confederate flag. The last source is from

“Harper's Weekly” which was a political paper from the time. As we go through COVID 19 and

schools being shut down in some areas, I thought it was interesting to watch how schools

reopened and adjusted to their new surroundings and situation. (I am not at all trying to compare

COVID 19 to racism).

After reviewing this journey box, I would hope that students would be able to understand

the importance of looking back to history for answers. We are currently reliving through another

time of civil unrest and will see another reconstruction era in our future. It is important to be

aware of your surroundings and to always question events and activities going on around our

country.