Unearthing Hidden Histories

This chapter explores the intricate connections between personal family narratives and broader civil rights themes, highlighted through the recent book 'Before the Movement, The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights.' The chapter examines the complexities of slavery, property ownership, and legal engagement of Black individuals within the antebellum South, while challenging traditional narratives regarding civil rights. It emphasizes the often-overlooked contributions of Black individuals, particularly women, in shaping civil rights history and the significance of viewing legal frameworks through a civil rights lens.