Historical Event
Mass Incarceration Era
The Mass Incarceration Era, spanning from the 1970s to the present, refers to the dramatic increase in the number of individuals imprisoned in the United States, disproportionately affecting African American communities. This phenomenon is rooted in policies like the War on Drugs and systemic inequalities established during and after the Reconstruction era, particularly in places like Alabama, which is home to the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration.
Why This Matters
This era highlights the ongoing struggle against racial oppression and the systemic legacies of slavery that resonate across the African diaspora, making it essential for understanding shared histories of resistance. By linking the Mass Incarceration Era to both continental African challenges and the broader civil rights movements, we foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of African American and African histories.
Related People
Related Heritage Sites
Related Lessons
From Civil Rights to Black Lives Matter
Unit 7
The 13th Amendment Loophole: Convict Leasing & the Re-Enslavement of Black America
Unit 4.5
Peonage and the Debt Trap: Slavery by Another Name
Unit 4.5
The New Jim Crow: The War on Drugs and the Rise of Mass Incarceration
Unit 6
From Plantation to Algorithm: The Digital Life of Colorism
Unit 6
Related Journeys
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