
A Conversation with Jefferson Cowie, Author, Freedom’s Dominion: A Saga of White Resistance to Federal Power
That Said With Michael Zeldin
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Unpacking Post-Civil War Racial Hierarchies
This chapter explores the sinister practice of convict leasing in Alabama after the Civil War, examining its role in reinforcing racial hierarchies and economic exploitation of Black individuals. It connects historical practices of oppression, such as lynching and disenfranchisement, to contemporary issues surrounding voting rights and labor dynamics, highlighting the ongoing impact of these injustices. The conversation critically analyzes the manipulation of American ideals of freedom and governance, revealing deep contradictions and the challenges faced in the fight for civil rights.
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