Henry Louis Gates Jr & Paula Kerger on Reconstruction: America After the Civil War | SXSW EDU

Henry Louis Gates Jr & Paula Kerger, in conversation with Eric Deggans, discuss the documentary series, Reconstruction: America After the Civil War.
Reconstruction: America After the Civil War:
Explore how one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented chapters in American history - the transformative years following the Civil War - still haunt the country, more than 150 years later. In this candid conversation PBS leaders will provide educators with the framework to discuss the historical, sociological and political factors that lead us to our current day, as well as the challenge we still face as a nation to live up to our founding ideals of democracy, freedom and equality for all.
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[@kevins.5472]

PBS deserves a great deal of credit for educating those who seek truth and knowledge of real American history. You don't even have to have cable. How cool is that!

[@CoryTyler]

I agree, Kevin. As a cord-cutter of 5 years now, I got this entire doc for $8 on iTunes. Just watched the entire show. Grateful this project was made. I learned so much.

[@marshafredericksen3163]

I went to grade school in 50_60 s. Learned culture of other countries and we learned about slavery.Did they stop teaching the truth of history? It's also hard if your white and people of color think your their enemy. I never understood why I had to defend myself but I know more ( not a lot) now ..my guess is it was mostly fear from the past because I never looked at color .If I call a person black it's only description. I've always said minority if I didn't know .Not everyone dislikes people of color but we struggle to explain what we don't understand.We are all God's children and need to learn how to communicate for survival

[@gregorybarnett5891]

P

[@rayfelchatmon6927]

​@@CoryTylera

[@corazoncubano5372]

This was an excellent interview. I could listen to professor Gates all day.

[@dedanthomas9921]

I feel so proud when professor gates teach about our history.So thank you professor

[@matthewestevez3745]

He's lying to u he's a gate keeper they can't even teach African studies in there.

[@rtguns1055]

@@matthewestevez3745 Hey mat, GFYS!!!

[@laurzkw3674]

This is the history that needs to be taught in schools. I’m sure every country has a “true story”

[@BEAutifulkiss21100]

You’re right. Now look what’s going on with the banning of books.

[@geekmeee]

True is what actually happened.

[@debrabrown7444]

Love listening to Dr Gates

[@ceeceerutland7637]

I missed “Reconstruction” when it originally aired on PBS, but after this discussion I went searching and found it on Prime Video. Now, before the election, would be a good time for a reshowing.

[@legion1630]

thanks for telling me its on Prime Video..I just got prime video

[@SenegalStyleSinetaGeorge]

I wish they would just call it what it is: "DECONSTRUCTION" - #ADOS! Thanks for all you do Prof Gates and PBS!

[@JustCallMeJaph]

Your statement is so simple yet so spot on. It was a DEconstruction for sure. They let us free. We were killing it as freedmen. So, they started killing us. #ADOS #Tangibles2020

[@walperstyle]

SenegalStyle Sineta George incorrect. Reconstruction was a good time. What happened after what...1872 when the freedmen bureau was disbanded did it really start to go south , no pun intended

[@BadBoy-qe3be]

​@@JustCallMeJaph "They let us free" , We were killing it as freedmen" ,and "They started killing us" are ridiculous oversimplifications only serving a victim mentality, First you were not ever a slave to be set free and therefor there is no an "us" to be set free. Second the South which was scarcely populated in contrast to the North which held the majority of White Americans that sent son's to war and their blood ultimately defeated the Confederacy securing the freedom of slaves and gave balance to Federal and State rights issues. I feel the question needs asked if those newly freed slaves were "killing it" why or what is preventing the collective you now from "killing it" even with with policy giving minority or female hiring preference over whites regardless of qualification??? Lastly "they started killing us".. The South has had serious racial issues that resulted in great injustices that were sadly overlooked too long. However, is it difficult to understand misplaced anger/aggression of a defeated people who lost many people, lost farms, and lost any self respect as country men. Gates has my respect for calling out the reverse racism that is becoming a platform of PC leftist,. His call to vote is a rally for the Left side, which if looked at without bias have a history of slave owners, KKK members, racist Dixiecrats, and they feel they own 90% or more of the black vote?

[@suffolk6311]

Reconstruct (Rebuild) the system of the predominate white society in the south over black folks. Make no mistake it is reconstruction.

[@JP-wn4jn]

🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@henriomoeje8741]

It's good to hear the story of slavery and reconstruction from a BLACK MAN'S perspective. Dr. Gates has done tremendously works in this regard. Kudos!!!

[@walperstyle]

Henry Adeoye I think you missed a very import answer to a question the audience asked. The colour of the skin of the teacher doesn’t matter. If it does, white supremacy has won. Rise above who you think you are.

[@Chris_like_it_not]

Happy Birthday to Mr.Gates.9-16-50.WV.Love your show on PBS.

[@VoteBlue4Peace-LoveInUSAagain]

Dr. Gates and his show brought me to rediscovering PBS as an adult, years ago. I adore him and dvr his show so I don't miss a thing. I am so thankful to him for the wisdom and knowledge that he has given not only me, but anyone else who watches. It's the true history class we weren't given about America and how it came to be. Thank you Sir and may we get the pleasure of many more years of your educational expertise. ✌🏼❤🖖🏼

[@ilae.williams7675]

Coretta Scott King said "Freedom must be fought for in each generation"...

[@36cmbr]

And it is not always the Black man who has to to the fighting. . . .

[@rawstatustv2358]

@@36cmbr it is only the Black man who can protect .

[@martinobrien7110]

Sad but true .

[@javiercastillo7516]

@@rawstatustv2358 yes Obama protected us, is that why he made his million bombing the middle east

[@pattitinsley4899]

PBS was a staple in my home as a child. I grew up on Sesame Street and my family is from England so we were always watching English programs. Today(2020) PBS is still one of my favorites and yes at 50 I will still sit and watch Sesame Street. I have seen some of the greatest documentaries during this tumultuous time in our country. Thank you for educating me for 50 years.

[@dedanthomas9921]

It took me 10 years to finally sit down and watch the movie Amistad and i cried.

[@ericmorton8995]

Thank you sir.....you just helped me.....I never watched it......for some reason, when I read your comment, my heart just released a "you need to moment".........2/1/2021.....10:34am...... I'm watching it this coming.....Thank you again ‼️‼️

[@TheBiggestFlower]

My great great great grandfather is Abram Colby. My family and I are grateful for this documentary and all of Mr. Gates work.

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

Dear Sir, Professor Gates, YOU are the gift! 🙂

[@arthurseymorejr.3606]

Watched the documentary last night and it was great . I knew all about the Reconstruction but this will be educational for all people especially White America who needs it the most to know how and why some Black folks are still struggling to this very day and yet they have the nerve to look at blacks as less than when they caused 97% of the problems Black folks have .

[@Marriedrebels]

Could still be in Africa.....

[@rastagirl34ify]

@@Marriedrebels You could still be in the europe or the caucus mountains...so your point is??

[@CradleEpiscopalian56]

Very inspiring, insightful and interesting.

[@mezmarionybarra]

Awesomeness! Yay Teachers !!!!

[@jazzsoul6067]

I'll be watching.

[@JustJami74]

This blessed my spirit

[@pizzyg]

I enjoy Henry Gates lectures and learn alot

[@javajive01]

The reminder is set.

[@yepme6484]

I like them to do an episode of Finding Your Roots of the host, that would be fascinating

[@boydwill70]

Great idea I will be sure to watch.

[@teegil5043]

Thank you Dr. Gates! Your works are always interesting- sometimes history hurts but it also has the power to heal.

[@tarahome3965]

"Of course he has one more thing to say". YES, PLEASE!!! I could listen to him alllll day! Mr. Gates would be at the top of my wishlist, dinner party guest list!!

[@urielriley]

This is amazing I can't wait to see this💯💜❤️🤎💎💎💎💎💎💎 #pbs thank you 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎

[@williamlukesinclair1315]

He inadvertently gave the audience a backhanded compliment by saying they all got their jobs because of affirmative action.

[@m.d.lindsay1528]

Excellent, thank you!

[@dre_withwithout]

Reconstruction A.K.A "Yea sike we not giving y'all shit." Reconstruction was the reworking and fine tuning of future oppressive practices.

[@tinaclark7264]

They will never stop us They can't block us They angry about us Because God bless And love us We fall down but we Get up Amen brother let The redemption of the Lord say So

[@islamicchronicles5381]

THANK YOU

[@AngelaMoses123]

Henry Lewis Gates Jr. You are one of my favorite people because I see the psychologically brilliant work you do within the minds of so many. You have an uncanny ability to cause a mental evolution withtin the hearts and minds of those who are blessed to have you do their family tree through a journey that frees and unites the heart and mind of not only the guest but all of us! You take take us along on the Journey with you! Youbmay not be aware but there is a deep dark anti- human movement, being propagated, mostly by the extreme left, but there are some rightbtoo.. You may not be aware of this or maybe you dont believe that this could really be happening? I believe and love what you teach and know it to be true history, but I am not sure if you realize that there is a facade and false narrative being mastered behind the Curtain.there are people from the right as well but the majority of the leaders are from the left and they use propaganda and race politics and planned disaster and planned trajedies to control the masses. I was a very politically active democrat for years, until I stumbled upon some dark secrets and crimes against minorities and when I tried to expose it I was terrorized and silenced. I have lost 3 friends now, I have lost 3 friends now, from "Suicide?" In the back of the head? They were also trying expose it. Anyway, God bless You! I come from a mixed family and when I say mixed I mean really really mixed and I absolutely adore your work! I am looking forward to watching your movie.

[@thecaramelgoddess]

It would be nice if mr. Henry Louis gates did the family trees of regular every day people, not just celebrities! I would really like to see that! But I still like the show until then!😍💥💯

[@Thutmosis7]

Slavery never ended it just evolve period

[@dejah4734]

so educating

[@twil6098]

I pray Dr Henry Gates gets the Nobel Peace Prize soon or whenever it's available for history contributions. God grant Dr H Gates His favor and protection from this day forward

[@payday1862]

Can we really work together like that, easy said than done, and where do we began to heal, those who are in the heat of the battle.

[@warningwarming2682]

Knowledgeable 🤗👏👏👏🙌❤️

[@doreenwyatt6409]

And my correction he went to Yale he just said it .i think 🤔 Harvard too ? I could listen to him day and night he’s so informative I wish I knew him personally .

[@joealcamo8901]

In 1979 the company I was working for required all alerts employees to watch a movie “you are who you are because of where you were when. It was a very enlightening movie and perspective, this is also taught in politics and in management there’s no way around it. As we have seen in our country and all over the world you cannot force people to change their values it doesn’t matter who you are or anything you cannot force people to change their beliefs. THIS IS SAD.

[@juststunned4210]

There some enlightened cultures who break down the walls of hatred simply by having their children grow up together. They do not yet understand established bi

[@bessieking3797]

A belief is not the same as right and wrong

[@OnyxAnomoly]

Has PBS done a documentary on the UDC (United Daughters of the Confederacy)? Just curious, my mind was blown when an older friend mentioned the heavy influence they have over what taught in schools and such.

[@OnyxAnomoly]

Well look at that! I spoke the up lol

[@Storyraymond]

What a nice man! Wish I could chat with him for an hour.

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

What a WONDERFUL PROGRAM! I heard SO many of my personal beliefs echoed here. Raised in a all white suburb of Detroit during the fifties and 60’s. With many cross cultural and racial relationships due to my family’s well known business in downtown Detroit. I have still many deep feelings about the riots of the sixties and lost opportunities for everyone black and white. Thank you once again for an exceptional program. Oh, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Dr. Henry Louis Gates and all his programs-he is just lovely!!

[@myrnavieli9321]

Fantastic to learn of True American History! So interesting that I had to listen to the very end. Let's hope that the black people can take pride in their History and the white ones learn what really took place in the USA. Thanks for this wonderful conversation.

[@oscartaylor4063]

Amazing how sooooo much history has been dismissed and literally destroyed!

[@hearmeout9138]

I would love to have a discussion with Dr. Gates and I believe it would be very informative to both of us but he seems quick to label people based on beliefs that he mistakenly assigns to ideological stereotypes. He doesn't seem to understand that principles and values can exist independent of general sets of beliefs which may often exist concurrently, but are not co-dependent. These generalizations are the primary impediment to honest and meaningful dialogues which he often states are needed to heal the past and move forward toward a cooperative and productive future.

[@robertotodaro6673]

HLG is a gentleman and a scholar,he is very much classy and smart

[@jacquelinecloud-hynds2375]

Love Finding your Roots ... I wish he could help me.

[@rickbreze7469]

During reconstruction Joseph Rainey was the first African American Congressman from South Carolina's 1st District. Many of the Southern states during the period from 1870-1879 had African American representatives. Illinois was the only Northern state that had African American representatives, the first Oscar De Priest in 1929-1932, New York not until 1945, Michagin 1973. Why did it take decades longer for African American's to become represantatives in the north?

[@vivianwadida3292]

American history is a pure nightmare! I wish more AAs who now know their roots can begin to seriously think of coming back home here in Africa. It will not be easier when you come to Africa but you will slowly integrate and make a decent living. God bless.

[@bessieking3797]

Nothing but love is felt for such a beautiful invitation, I love the mother land who gave to America all of it's liberties. Maybe some day the mother land will be able to count the african in the United States as a proud American who helped to eliminate oppression from all nations

[@thomaskline]

MacArthur Laureate Rhiannon Giddens wrote two songs that address these themes. Listen to Build A House( accompanied by YoYo Ma) and Cry No More (with the Metropolitan Opera’s choir for the response to her calls). The MacArthur foundation called Rhiannon the archaeologist of African American music.

[@nomore5173]

Henry Louis Gates Jr & Paula Kerger, in reference to your audience I wish to tell you that I live in UK, have no links to the USA, I am white and not a student or teacher, apparently I am not your demo-graph from what you were saying and the purpose of these documentaries and yet, I watch your documentaries daily. This is a humanist subject and like the Holocaust (that I also study) understanding how this could happen, how anyone could generalise, oppress and hurt others is beyond me. The psychology of the abusers in these situations interests me, and the psychology of those who endured daily suffering in the face of futility.

[@malcolmjules6445]

What? no books by Thomas Sowell or Walter Williams?

[@dankoppel6271]

Someone on the panel mentioned that during Reconstruction, 10 out of 11 ex-Confederate states gave Black men the right to vote. Which was the state that didn't?

[@tsmalls249]

Why do I have to wait on you to give me something?

[@juststunned4210]

Stacy Abrams is not waiting she is registering people to exercise the fundamental right - to vote. Why not follow her example. She did not give up even after her election was stolen from her . She worked hard to fix it.

[@Critic_number_4]

I learned about reconstruction from a white man teaching a text book (presumably written by predominantly whites) in a predominantly white private school and I would say it was taught very well. I don't know what is being taught in public schools but I can attest that at some schools it is being taught adequately and accurately.

[@ahalpert]

"Did they have voter id?" "Hahaha yea, if you had white skin you could vote, if you had black skin, you couldn't." 😢

[@seankelly1291]

Minutes 34 to 36:30!

[@doreenwyatt6409]

Or I wish I could of been one ☝️ of the many students that had him for a professor 👨🏽‍🏫

[@wendyhestick8514]

Why is #Dr.CLAUDEANDERSEN'S work is not in ALL classrooms across America.

[@sharroncummings3064]

As a person of color, this material is not being taught in the average school and I taught for 11 years and black history week was used but we need to teach American History .If we don't we are going to have some type of reckoning. What that will be I don't know. it won't be good. WE are in the middle of that now.I don't want our kids white and black to suffer from what we refuse to fix now. JUST TELL AND TEACH TRUE HISTORY.

[@clarkgriswold5903]

"Those who cast the votes decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything." Joseph Stalin

[@music_man_4043]

Why does Paula and Skip got that Snoop Dogg/Martha Stewart Vibe? 🤭

[@arlenemuhammad9853]

Vote for who? Vote for people that lie to us and have no intention on fulfilling their promises? Vote for people that do the bidding of their doners and not the people that voted them in office?

[@camillamalone3616]

Not only do we see each other get murdered our children see it too

[@camillamalone3616]

PAINFUL HURT UNFORGIVEABLE UNFORGETABLE BUT YOU BETTER BELIEVE WHAT YOU SEE WITH YOUR OWN TWO EYES

[@warrenfinch8034]

Black Rose by The Product G & B

[@lupetarpermw938]

Skip “the truth” Gates 🤣🤣🤣

[@vickiep.2686]

We voted this time Nov. 3rd 2020 got rid of BABY 45 TRUMP....ADOS!..ASE'

[@bessieking3797]

Yeah 😂😊 now let's get to work

[@jaydiddat2127]

They voted against their interest

[@diannadunford8098]

It is a shame their hate for 1 man who was not a career politician has put America on the edge of collapse into socialism. Somehow they thought an old white man who is 40 years in government is going to save them?? Conservative Americans have been crucified as racist white nationalists. I will speak from my personal perspective, I am a conservative American. That for me is about our spending. I am a firm believer that the federal government's first responsibility is to protect America FIRST and LAST!!! The Civil Rights Act of 1968, ERA and Affirmative Action should not be needed in America of all places. However they are so we March on. If the elected officials in Washington would use our tax dollars to promote our citizens instead of sending it overseas to support whatever issue there. So like my personal finances I am very serious about how I spend it. They are sent to be stewards of our hard earned money. It isn't just numbers on special paper. It is the time, effort, blood sweat and tears of every American worker!!! Keep our $$ here and support our people (red, yellow, black or white) first!!!! Why is voter ID racist?? If you are an American citizen you should support voter ID to protect your vote, my vote and the integrity of our government!!!

[@bessieking3797]

@@diannadunford8098 Conservative means more than one thing. Conservation. To not waist is a proper definition. A lot of common sense type of thing normally taught by parents, sorta like racism. A large percentage of the population is taught by parents. Otherwise white supremacist wouldn't be such a powerful curse on this country. It is agreed that Affirmative action should never have been needed. It was needed then and now. It was positive to have this program of an attempt at equality. It gave america the absolute best. Mostly placed in a training or teaching position. As for suppression of the vote. No disrespect to true conservatives, but there's is little to none support from the black community for the conservative republican party's agenda on voting rights. Selma was real, the John Lewis bill will probably solve so many of these issues. America knows "how many jellybeans are in a jar" stop calling voters suppression any thing but what It is. At this time America is sixty to forty. Not equally but to close for comfort.

[@jaydiddat2127]

@@diannadunford8098 we already had th

[@winkieblink7625]

The part about the Reconstruction after the Civil War and Trumps wanting to roll back programs….needs to be more publicized….TODAY 2022

[@sedecim]

Damn ! We are not all immigrants!

[@jaydiddat2127]

We were already all those tradesmen. Gates

[@o.g.geezer7058]

We are not all immigrants. Black people have been on this continent for thousands of years. Within the context of your conversation, your statement is inaccurate.👎

[@PlannedObsolescence]

That's a slap in the face to indigenous Americans.

[@bessieking3797]

I can go for that, realizing that the african was explorers before Columbus sat a foot on the soil

[@king1supreme]

#ADOS #Tangibles2020 #CutTheCheck

[@willie417]

Add tax free land to that too

[@fitradiin6454]

The lies these people are saying with a straight face is astonishing.

[@obeahman6286]

6:45 I doubt it Mr. Gates, " Everybody sleeping with everyone else", implies voluntary action BUT Was it?

[@PlannedObsolescence]

I think he was being euphemistic.

[@camillamalone3616]

That is how they see us how they really are rapist murderers,liers thieves.Just love to treat spiritual human beings ENHUMANE.WE ARE PEACEABLE.

[@ShellSellars-Smith]

Ulysses S. Grant, Republican.

[@jaydiddat2127]

The bastards always omit that fact

[@thomaskline]

Rhia

[@goodshepherd1571]

Great king 👑🙏🏾🙏🏾wonderful work our black history and white history is. stored in heaven a waiting the end of time and 🙏🏾🙏🏾📖📖👑👑🕯🕯🕯judgment day.thats where the 😈😈♀️♀️devil people will🔥meet there acception and rejection in to the lord kingdom and 🔥🔥🔥🔥eternal hell and their famelys.⚰😷😷😷👽👽

[@kellyyarborough5558]

Black men voted more percentage wise back then than now

[@camillamalone3616]

Vote is a game we should have never played.We died for nothing

[@sheilalewis8113]

ADMITTING TO SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES...WTF

[@adhdmuseum9631]

So we just gonna pretend like that scarf is okay?

[@TiffanyFG]

"Informed" votes. Know what you are voting for- make correlations between politicians, those who sponsor them (big business and there interest), policies (agendas) they are for, and how it all effects your Black American self. We have to understand economics in this capitalistic society. No more voting for politicians based on color, or party. Vote for politicians that are going to acknowledge the condition of the black community and DO SOMETHING about it. If no one, NO VOTE!

[@rtguns1055]

If no one, be the change that you want to see and run for office.

[@camillamalone3616]

Black History is 365 days EVERYDAY

[@wendyhestick8514]

The TEACHERS NEED TO BE RETRAINED

[@sano1062]

The Hustler is at it again! They should give this guy the Al Sharpton award for the Best Hustler. I guess he figured out that he couldn't make money on the true narrative so he took the Alex Haley route!

[@camillamalone3616]

Yahweh is the only CREATOR,MASTER.Trust in YAH only not man.

[@jaydiddat2127]

Biden threw out trumps 1776 educational project.

[@lifehappens9557]

I was just telling that to someone today.. And I actually liked the Reconstruction piece...it give a lot of people to research.. But when he compared Trump presidency to Andrew Johnson.... I couldn't believe it. Because Obama did nothing to benefits blacks.

[@shawnabinishmail4560]

N .m

[@javiercastillo7516]

MALCOM X AND MLK WOULD OF CALLED OUT GATES AND DINOUNSE HIM.

[@jaydiddat2127]

It was not an alt right rollback. That is a lie. It was a democrat rollback

[@jessicamalave2308]

😂

[@davidhughes35]

Dr. Gates what is that thing your wearing.

[@robertcarter3041]

The astonishing brother-in-law cytogenetically strengthen because ashtray proportionally trouble athwart a abrupt crocus. plain, accidental bugle

[@jaydiddat2127]

60% of Yale students polled said the constitution should be abolished

[@sjenk5000]

No they did not. Name your source!

[@jaydiddat2127]

@@sjenk5000 Google it

[@MichaelLantz]

Do most blacks love and miss mother Africa?

[@MichaelLantz]

@Kali Moe I love Europe.It is the birthplace of Western Civilization.

[@opensprings]

Michael Lantz, the topic is reconstruction. FOCUS...(as your teacher would say when you were in school)

[@jackmitton2534]

Ya so what else is missing from a 1950's gradeschool education - and what is being taught in 2023? LMTY not everything that should be taught. So that's why we got to segregate American and World history? SMH

[@camillamalone3616]

Discussing RACISM IS NOT FUN

[@MrInterestingthings]

Strange Fruit " hanging from that tree . Look at the supposed gentlemanwearing their fineryandtophatted .The completixityof all of us human beings is almost inhumanly ireconciliable with human thought . i will never understand how people cando things I would almost certainly never do ! IwonderifIhad been bred as a Southern gentleman would I too have been willing to see blacks as only property,human chattel not worthy of respect . culturation, socializationis a truly scary thing.Read about the Swedish experiment with "prisoners" and"caretakers "Is it possible that our complexity makes us more ....than animals .More brainy but also capable of being more cruel andsick . How is itDonald trumps still exist ? I like many blacks find our history compelling but have readcountless books on jewish History , both world wars several on treblinka,Auschwitz but almost nothing about slavery .I know black biographies but have never immersed myself in some of ourpainful legacy .REading aboutthe Omaha riots has openedme up to the great strides we have made when given thechance but also allowed me to see the whole in its American historical context . Into the flames (of history ,our families , our regions ) wemust all gotofully feel ourselves and legacy .Self- understanding ius a great value .Wecanonly know and feel through our limited brains but experience and our reaction toois a valuable knowledge. I dontthinkanyonemomenttells us the truth . Murderes ,torturers and rapists are often loving sons , fathers husbands . noonesaid understanding was easy oreven acessible tohumans. Phenomenolgy and o...aside I will simply do my duty to my self and forbearers !

[@Swegen]

Cool to hear the story from a BLACK MANS perspective? Can't we just try to shut the f... up about skin color? Sorry for being so stark in my statement, but it is ALWAYS good to hear the story of slavery from the perspective of REASON and NOT qualified by ANY color of the person who put forward his/hers arguments. These days it is ok to put forward statements, that would CLEARLY have been labeled rascist had they been said by a white man. But under the guise of diversity, when it is everything else, they are suddenly ok. When we start looking into if arguments are facts, before we look into who stated them, THEN we can move forward. Currently it is just McCarthyism once more, driven by a revenge motive, as if two wrongs make one right. Cudos to PBS for a great series, but hold on a minute with the praising if this involves compromising the work from historians like Ken Burns, just because of the basis of skin color alone.

[@kevinboone2178]

WE CAN NOT "SHUT THE FUCK UP," as you so inelegantly put it...lol. I have heard/read White nationalists (and other racists), many White southerners - including historians, and some others, proclaim that the Civil War wasn't about slavery and/or Black men are violent, lazy, dumb, etc., so when Black educators and other ones set the record straight, I say, "amen," as it's important for the country to SEE them, and that other Black people SEE them. It doesn't follow that White folks can't speak to these issues. I read principled folks who want to enter the forum of ideas regardless their race. Hearing a Black man's perspective, though, particularly when it's nuanced, is welcomed to my way of thinking. Indeed I don't think Mr. Adeoye was referencing that only Blacks can speak about these issues but, from our lived experience in this country, we may offer insights other races can't. I know Ken Burns, Joanne Freeman and David Blight, for instance, are superb historians, which isn't always the point. And I'll leave it at that.

[@louise-yo7kz]

@@kevinboone2178 Exactly!!!!!