We don’t think much about history in this country, but we need to.
Everything that is happening on our streets following the vicious murder of George Floyd comes out of a long history of mistreatment of black and brown bodies and a long history of betrayal: making promises and never keeping them; giving and then taking away; saying, ‘wait a little longer’ and never taking action; inviting people of color to participate in civic and economic life, but writing the rules to exclude them.
One of the most glaring examples of betrayal is the period of Reconstruction following the Civil War (1865-1877) and its de facto conclusion with the “Compromise of 1877.” Historian Eric Foner calls Reconstruction “America’s Unfinished Revolution.” The promise of full enfranchisement of former slaves as citizens was never realized and the gains that had been won in Reconstruction were quickly taken from them.
Despite the victories of Civil Rights Movement, the promise of restoration of full citizenship rights outlined in the Civil Rights Act of 1965 has also failed to materialize. In fact, gains have eroded in recent years with the failure to renew the Voting Rights Act and the passage of laws that suppress voting participation.
What we are watching is not only a response to the murder of George Floyd or a call to end law enforcement abuse. It goes way beyond that. I believe it is an expression of frustration and outrage at our national failure to finish the “Reconstruction Revolution”.
It’s time. Our leaders say they want this to end. If so, they need to stop tweeting stupid things that are the equivalent of “Let them eat cake,” and finish the revolution. If they don’t, the people on the street will finish it for them.
Tongue on Fire 