New Graphic History of Reconstruction in D.C.

We are big fans of the new graphic history called Freedom Was in Sight: A Graphic History of Reconstruction in the Washington, D.C., Region. Historian Kidada E. Williams summarizes what we appreciate about the book:

This vivid graphic history is a remarkable achievement that belongs in classrooms, in personal and public libraries, and on coffee tables.

Following a captivating ensemble of freedom fighters, it takes readers on a journey into cities and rural communities, military camps, homes, schools, lodges, churches, city council chambers, and the halls of Congress where Black freedom was constructed during emancipation and Reconstruction.

Kate Masur’s eloquent and masterful storytelling is brought to life with Liz Clarke’s astonishing and moving illustrations.

The book was recently introduced at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture at an event we co-sponsored for educators. We are also hearing from D.C. area educators who are using the book in their classrooms.

Museum Program

On November 12, the National Museum of African American History and Culture hosted a conversation about the graphic history, Freedom Was in Sight: A Graphic History of Reconstruction in the Washington, D.C., Region.

Jessica Rucker, Kate Masur, Maya Davis at NMAAHC. By Robert Stewart for the Smithsonian.

The event featured the book author, historian Dr. Kate Masur, educator Jessica Rucker, and Maya Davis, director of Riversdale House Museum in Prince George’s County. The panel discussed some of the stories in the book and the importance of teaching Reconstruction both in the classroom and in the community.

Candra Flanagan welcomed the attendees on behalf of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Tiffany Mitchell Patterson welcomed them on behalf of the Zinn Education Project. Onsite attendees received a beautiful NMAAHC tote bag with a copy of Freedom Was in Sight and the Zinn Education Project report on teaching Reconstruction. A book signing followed the discussion. 

Watch the full recording below.

Student Responses

Students at DCPS School Without Walls in Washington, D.C., read the book in their D.C. History and Government class with high school social studies teacher Ben Williams. Here are excerpts from the reflections they shared. (Some students asked to be named and others to remain anonymous.)

What surprised you about the graphic history Freedom Was in Sight?

It had a lot of information about Black women and their role in Reconstruction.

How easy of a read it was and the focus on not only Black men but also Black women and their fight towards voting rights and education. — Daria Flabbi-Fruttero

One thing that stood out was how much newly freed individuals in Washington, D.C., accomplished against huge obstacles, like building schools and finding ways to make a living. It’s inspiring to see this resilience illustrated so vividly.

The amount of people I didn’t know that were so prominent in D.C. history.

How well the combination between it being written like a graphic novel while still having a serious and informative tone of telling the history. I was also surprised to see a reference from the book When and Where I Enter in Chapter 6.

The book was so educational for a graphic novel.

How much progress towards equal rights was made before the Jim Crow Era, which I felt was something that was not emphasized when I studied U.S. history before. I also enjoyed learning about how central schools and churches were to Black communities during that period.

Unlike many other authors, Masur paints African Americans as agents of change rather than passive victims of oppression. From the use of legal mechanisms to challenge discriminatory laws to the creation of mutual aid societies and churches as bastions of resistance, Masur highlights the ingenuity and determination of Black communities.

How many thriving Black towns existed like in Manassas before they were destroyed

I was a little surprised that the Freedmen’s Bureau chose white teachers over Black teachers for schools. Well not completely surprised, but a little.

If you recommend the book to someone else to read, explain why.

I’d definitely recommend it, especially to anyone who finds history books a little dry. The graphic novel format makes it easier to connect with the people and events and really see what life was like.

It gave a thorough and accurate representation of the fight for freedom in Washington, D.C.

It gives a refreshing day-to-day look into the lives of African Americans in D.C. during Reconstruction. The book highlights their moments of triumph, while not diminishing the hardships of the time and the barriers they faced.

It is very informative but also a very realistic graphic history that expresses the hardships and setbacks African American people faced in the Reconstruction era, but also it’s inspiring to all that they accomplished and is hopeful for the future.

I would recommend it to other people, especially D.C. residents. I’ve grown to understand how important it is to understand the history of my city and how it connects to current events today.

Yes, especially if they live in D.C. Having a book that teaches me more about the history of the city I’ve lived in my whole life. — Sirin 

It had a lot of information packed in, while staying focused on the perspective of Black Americans during reconstruction in D.C. through the stories of those who lived through it. I enjoyed the graphic format, and think it made it easier to process all of the information.

It was very easy to read and the illustrations were very beautiful.

This book gave a deeper insight into what Reconstruction really was, beyond just addressing the inequalities of African Americans, it also dissected all of the major events. By doing this, it gave us more of the history going beyond what was commonly known as the end of Reconstruction.

The inclusion of the unsung heroes gives the book a more personal touch, going beyond just the general information about Reconstruction. — Jason C.

What are contemporary connections for the book?

Freedom Was in Sight connects to today by reminding us that the fight for equality is ongoing. The struggles and successes of African Americans during Reconstruction show the power of resilience, community, and standing up for what’s right. The big takeaway is that progress isn’t always easy, but staying united and persistent can make a difference. This history encourages us to keep pushing for justice and equality, just like those before us did. — Logan Thompson 

The talks about removing home rule from D.C. in the late 1800s and then today with President-elect Trump threatening to do something similar. Also with the emphasis put on the importance of education and President-elect Trump threatening to shut down the DOE. The book is very inspiring that people have overcome similar struggles before.

It is connected to today because of the topic of police brutality, a widely discussed issue in today’s society and the federal government attempting to take over the D.C. government.

Freedom Was in Sight connects to today because it highlights issues with political power, and we live in a very politically polarized world. The lessons that it gives us for the present moment is to respect one another and support each other in ensuring that everyone has access to basic human rights. — Zahra Dinkins 

The graphic history connects to today as we see the way the government tries to take away the vote of influential parts of society. — Sophie Whitaker 

We will share more comments as we receive them from students in the Washington, D.C., metro area.