This seminar will examine the lives of African American women from Reconstruction through the latter twentieth century. Using primary source materials from leading African American female intellectuals, activists, and organizations, we will concentrate on African American women’s experiences in politics, the workplace, race and social movements, and on historical debates about men and women’s private and public roles in society. We will explore the diverse ways that African American women have engaged with questions on human and gender equality, equity, and “rights” broadly defined. Some topics covered may include Reconstruction and Jim Crow, Suffrage, Domestic labor movements, religion and civic organizing, the civil rights movement, and the U.S. Women’s Movement.

This program will be conducted as a discussion, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings, and with the Discussion Leader facilitating the conversation, instead of lecturing or presenting. Registrants, therefore, are highly encouraged to read all the documents in advance and come ready with questions. Teachers will receive a Letter of Attendance at the conclusion of the seminar.