Black History and the Reconstruction Era

Abstract

Eric Foner presented this lecture on November 18, 2005 as part of the “Black History Matters” lunch and lecture series hosted by Columbia University's Center for Contemporary Black History. Foner discussed the misperception that historical sources documenting Black voices during Reconstruction were not available. He argued that understanding the Reconstruction Era is key to comprehending the historical shift represented by the Civil Rights Movement.

Keywords:

• civil rights
• historical sources
• reconstruction