What is Transatlantic Reconnection?

An interactive learning platform connecting continental African students with the history, culture, and diaspora narratives of the African American experience.

Historical Event

Reconstruction

Reconstruction was the period following the American Civil War, spanning from 1865 to 1877, during which the United States grappled with reintegrating the Southern states and addressing the status of formerly enslaved African Americans. Central to this era were efforts to establish civil rights, promote education, and facilitate a new societal order, particularly in places like Greeneville, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., home to key figures like President Andrew Johnson and civil rights advocate Frederick Douglass.

Why This Matters

The significance of Reconstruction lies in its attempts to redefine freedom and citizenship for African Americans, laying the groundwork for future civil rights movements and shaping the discourse on racial equity in both the United States and Africa. By understanding this pivotal era, continental African students can appreciate the shared struggles and resilience that connect their histories with those of the African American diaspora in achieving rights and recognition.

Freedom and Resistance Reconstruction Education Black Business Faith Communities Military Service HBCUs Science and Innovation Music and Arts International Diaspora Connections Civil Rights Voting Rights Slavery