Final Reaction Blog

Talking about freedom will be a class to remember. From the different perspective we took to learning, to having all of our assignments be blogs to help us build a resume.

And the first thing I want to talk about is the two movies we watched in class. I had seen bits and pieces of both “Gone With the Wind” and “in the Heat of the Night” at home with family but was never interested. Both are timeless and influential in their own ways and in their own time. They are also a preservation of their time, educating people about the period they were set in more than any textbook or lecture. “In the Heat of the Night” shows the prevalence and extent of racism in the 60’s as well as the turning of the populous starting to accept African Americans. “Gone With the Wind” romanticizes the slave owning south a little but as long as you can get past that the movie continues to show future generations what the 19th century and civil war looked like for the majority of Americans.

We had tests and presentations, but the most important part of this class was the blog we all made. Instead of having boring papers, homework, and quizzes, we were set to discuss the topics we covered in class with the world. We were free to express our opinion and share it. For me personally, the shorter, more opinion-based writing really made me think about my understanding and take on our lectures and presentations. Another important part of our blogs is that they can be used as a future reference and a preservation of our freshman year. I will be interested to look back on our blogs in the years to come and see the changes in our writing and as people.

In my opinion, the most important takeaway from this class is our use of AI. Being able to practice and understand our use of AI instead of feeling like we were cheating on an assignment has been influential not only in this class but my whole semester. Understanding how to use AI and everything that can be achieved with it has helped me brainstorm, study, spell check my papers, research, and many more. Learning to properly use AI has been an invaluable skill and will help me as AI continues to grow.  

 

 

 EOTO Reaction

The Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20th century was a defining era in American history, marked by landmark legislation, courageous activism, and transformative social change. Several pivotal events and organizations shaped the struggle for equality, each contributing uniquely to dismantling systemic racism.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964
This legislation was a monumental victory, outlawing segregation in public places and banning employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It gave the federal government authority to enforce desegregation, signaling a decisive shift toward legal equality.

The NAACP

NAACP Logo

Founded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People played a critical role in challenging racial injustice through legal advocacy. The NAACP spearheaded cases like Brown v. Board of Education and organized grassroots efforts, proving that systemic change required both courtroom victories and community mobilization.

Lunch Counter Sit-Ins
Beginning in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1960, sit-ins became a powerful form of nonviolent protest. Black students occupied “whites-only” lunch counters, demanding service and refusing to leave. These actions highlighted the absurdity of segregation and inspired similar demonstrations nationwide, emphasizing the strength of peaceful resistance.

Freedom Rides
In 1961, interracial groups rode buses into the segregated South to challenge noncompliance with Supreme Court rulings on desegregated interstate travel. Riders faced brutal violence, yet their courage drew national attention and pressured federal authorities to enforce integration laws.

March on Washington

MLK Jr speaking at the 
March on Washington

The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom brought over 250,000 people to the nation’s capital, advocating for civil and economic rights. It was here that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, galvanizing public support for civil rights legislation.

Montgomery Bus Boycott
Sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest in 1955, the boycott lasted over a year and crippled the city’s transit system. Led by Dr. King, it demonstrated the power of collective action and marked the rise of King as a national leader. The boycott ultimately led to a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional.

Conclusion
These events and organizations illustrate the multifaceted nature of the Civil Rights Movement—legal battles, grassroots activism, and moral appeals converged to challenge injustice. Together, they reshaped American society, proving that sustained, strategic action can dismantle even the most entrenched systems of inequality.

Ai disclaimer: I used M365 Copilot to summarize the notes I took in class to create this blog. 

 Brown V. Board of Education

Summary

The landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education (1954) fundamentally transformed American society by declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. At its core, the case presented two sharply contrasting arguments: one defending the status quo of segregation and another advocating for equality under the law.

The Defense of Segregation

Brown V. Board decision in newspaper

Supporters of segregation relied heavily on the precedent set by Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), which established the doctrine of “separate but equal.” They argued that segregated schools did not inherently violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as long as facilities were comparable. Southern states claimed that integration would disrupt social order and infringe upon states’ rights to manage education. Their position emphasized tradition and the belief that racial separation was not harmful if resources were distributed fairly—a claim that would soon be dismantled.

The Case for Integration

Protests in favor of desegregation

The plaintiffs, led by Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, contended that segregation was inherently unequal. They argued that separating children by race stigmatized Black students, fostering feelings of inferiority that could never be remedied by equal facilities. This argument was powerfully supported by social science evidence, most notably the doll study conducted by psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark. In this study, Black children were presented with dolls of different races and overwhelmingly attributed positive qualities to white dolls while rejecting Black dolls. The Clarks concluded that segregation damaged the self-esteem and psychological development of Black children, reinforcing systemic inequality.

The Supreme Court’s Decision
Chief Justice Earl Warren’s unanimous opinion rejected the “separate but equal” doctrine, declaring that segregation in public education violated the Equal Protection Clause. The Court acknowledged that education is a foundation of good citizenship and that separating children solely based on race generated a sense of inferiority “unlikely ever to be undone.” This ruling marked a turning point in the civil rights movement, setting the stage for nationwide desegregation and challenging deeply entrenched racial barriers.

Conclusion
The arguments in Brown v. Board of Education reveal the tension between legal precedent and evolving social values. By prioritizing equality and recognizing the psychological harm of segregation, the Court affirmed that justice requires more than formal equality—it demands genuine inclusion. The case remains a powerful reminder that law and social science can converge to dismantle injustice and reshape a nation’s future.

Ai disclosure: I used M365 Copilot to summarize my notes from class into this blog post. 

 "In the Heat of the Night" Reaction

In the Heat of the Night 
Advertisement

I had seen bits and pieces of In the Heat of the Night with my father on the couch or just passing by the tv at home but never sat down to watch it fully. I was very impressed with nearly every aspect of the film from the cinematography to the smaller unnoticed jabs at cultural norms of the time. On the surface The Heat of the Night is a police crime movie about cracking a murder of a wealthy man in rural Sparta, Mississippi. Sidney Poitier plays Detective Virgil Tibbs an African American man from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who gets caught up trying to solve the murder while dealing with southern racism of the time, and Rod Steiger as police chief Bill Gillespie who is new on the job and trying to defend his position by catching the assailant. 

While there is lots to discuss within the movie I found the relationship between these charters to be the most interesting. The movie begins with chief Gillespie being stereotypically racist and hateful towards Tibbs, but eventually coming around letting Tibbs into his home to share a drink and even what many would say is defending him in the green house with Larry Gates' charter Eric Endicott. Gillespie saves Tibbs from racist confederates trying to kill Tibbs, tells tibs to leave town as to "not have another mess in this town," but then saves him a second time. Thought the movie you can see Gillespie trust and respect Tibbs as a man and a detective more and more, giving Tibbs more authority and leeway to do as he sees fit.

Virgil Tibbs and Bill Gillespie

 Almost everyone in the movie is racist and prejudice period. While Gillespie appears to be the same at the start it appears to me that he has been conditioned by the people around him and acts accordingly. As he beings to learn more about Tibbs his perspective changes, Gillespie gains more respect for Tibbs even though his words are still sharp. This relationship is a representation of the new generation where as African Americans gain more independence and knowledge people start to form their own opinions instead of listening to those before them. The best example of this is the green house scene where after Tibbs accuses Eric Endicott of being involved in the murder they exchanges slaps. Endicott asks Gillespie if he is "going to do anything about that," where Gillespie responds "I'm not sure". Endicott then turns to Tibbs and tells him that previously he could have had him shot for slapping him. The contrast in Endicott and Gillespie's behaviors demonstrate this change in mindset perfectly, while Endicott wants to have Tibbs killed, Gillespie does not defend Tibbs but certainly does not punish him in any way.  

In doing more research on the movie I came across an in depth explanation video witch talked about many things I missed. The most interesting is his idea that the African Americans are the backbone of the town. When Tibbs needs a car Gillespie take him to Khalil Bazaleel, who plays Jess, auto shop because he is a proper mechanic. Endicott's entire cotton empire is built off the backs of African Americans picking it, and when girls need abortions they go to Mama Caleba's shop, played by Beah Richards. Gillespie accuses three suspects and is prepared to jail them when Tibbs does some basic investigation to find that they could not have been the murderer. Without Tibbs Gillespie could not have done his job properly, and without the rest of the African Americans there would be no town. 

I thought this film was incredible and it has left such an impression on me I will be going on to watch some other Mirisch Production Company films this weekend. 

 Video Reaction Post

Abraham Lincoln 
16th President 

The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, marked a devastating turning point in American history. As the Civil War drew to a close, Lincoln’s death at the hands of John Wilkes Booth not only shocked the nation but also disrupted the fragile path toward reconciliation and civil rights. Lincoln had envisioned a Reconstruction rooted in unity and gradual integration of freed African Americans into society. His absence left a leadership vacuum that would be filled by Vice President Andrew Johnson—a man whose policies would prove deeply divisive.

Johnson, a Southern Democrat who remained loyal to the Union, assumed the presidency with a vision starkly different from Lincoln’s. Though he initially promised to uphold the Union’s victory, Johnson’s leniency toward former Confederates and his opposition to civil rights legislation alienated Radical Republicans in Congress. He vetoed key Reconstruction bills, including the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and resisted the Fourteenth Amendment, which granted citizenship to formerly enslaved people. His approach emboldened Southern states to enact restrictive laws known as Black Codes.

Andrew Johnson
17th President 

Black Codes were designed to suppress the newfound freedom of African Americans and maintain a labor force similar to slavery. These laws varied by state but commonly included vagrancy statutes, labor contract requirements, and limitations on property ownership and mobility. The intent was clear: to preserve white supremacy and economic control in the post-war South. In effect, Black Codes undermined the promise of emancipation and perpetuated racial inequality.

Lincoln’s assassination removed a leader committed to a more inclusive vision of Reconstruction. Johnson’s presidency, marked by resistance to civil rights and empowerment of Southern elites, allowed the Black Codes to flourish. This period laid the foundation for systemic racial discrimination that would persist for generations, highlighting the profound consequences of leadership and policy in shaping the course of American history.

AI disclaimer: I used M365 Copilot to organize the notes I took in class. I added some of my own thoughts to the post, along with photos and hyperlinks. 

 EOTO Reaction

The Reconstruction Era (1865–1877) marked a pivotal moment in American history, as the nation grappled with reintegration after the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. Two controversial elements of this period—Black Codes and Carpetbaggers—highlight the era’s conflicting visions of freedom and power.

Political cartoon criticizing 
black codes

Black Codes were laws enacted by Southern states immediately after the Civil War, designed to restrict the rights of newly freed African Americans. These codes sought to maintain white supremacy by controlling Black labor, movement, and behavior. For example, many states required Black individuals to sign yearly labor contracts or risk arrest for vagrancy. Though slavery had been abolished, Black Codes effectively perpetuated a system of racial subjugation, laying the groundwork for Jim Crow laws.

In contrast, Carpetbaggers were Northerners who moved South during Reconstruction, often to participate in rebuilding efforts or to seek economic opportunities. Southern critics viewed them as opportunists exploiting the region’s instability. However, many Carpetbaggers were educators, entrepreneurs, and reformers who supported civil rights and helped establish public schools and infrastructure. Their presence intensified Southern resentment and fueled the narrative of Northern interference.

Together, Black Codes and Carpetbaggers illustrate the deep divisions and power struggles of Reconstruction. While Black Codes aimed to preserve antebellum racial hierarchies, Carpetbaggers—despite their mixed motives—often represented the push toward modernization and equality. The tension between these forces underscores the fragility of progress and the enduring legacy of Reconstruction in shaping race relations and regional identity in the United States.

AI disclaimer: I used M365 Copilot to summarize and organize my notes into the blog post so that it is more coherent and readable. 

 Segregation and Economics: The Case of Plessy v. Ferguson

Segregated waiting rooms

In 1896, the Supreme Court heard the landmark case Plessy v. Ferguson, which challenged Louisiana’s Separate Car Act. While the case is most often remembered for its impact on civil rights, it’s important to understand the economic arguments that were used at the time to defend segregation.

Supporters of the Separate Car Act argued that segregation was necessary to protect the financial stability of Louisiana’s railroad companies. These companies relied heavily on white passengers, many of whom were uncomfortable sharing train cars with Black passengers. If forced to integrate, railroad companies feared losing business, which could lead to financial losses and even bankruptcy. Segregation, they claimed, was a practical solution to keep the trains running and the economy stable.

Another argument focused on public order. In the late 19th century, racial tensions were high, and any disruption could lead to violence. Defenders of segregation believed that separating the races in public spaces would reduce conflict and prevent costly disturbances. From their perspective, segregation wasn’t just about social customs—it was a way to avoid riots, property damage, and the expenses of law enforcement intervention.

Illustration of Homer Plessy 
being asked to leave his seat

Labor concerns also played a role. Many white workers worried that African Americans would compete for jobs, especially in skilled trades and public-facing roles. Segregation helped reassure white laborers that their economic position was protected. This, in turn, was seen as a way to maintain labor peace and prevent strikes or unrest that could hurt productivity.

Finally, defenders of the law emphasized states’ rights. They argued that Louisiana had the authority to pass laws that reflected the will of its people. Federal interference, they warned, could destabilize local governments and discourage investment. Businesses preferred predictable legal environments, and overturning segregation laws could create uncertainty.

While these arguments are deeply flawed by today’s standards, they reflect the mindset of the time. Understanding the economic reasoning behind segregation helps us see how deeply racism was woven into the structures of society—not just socially, but financially and politically.

Plessy v. Ferguson upheld segregation for decades, but its economic justifications remind us that injustice often hides behind claims of practicality. Recognizing that helps us better understand the forces that shaped American history—and the importance of challenging them.

AI disclaimer: Microsoft Copilot was used to create this post. I provided the pictures and links.