The host of the 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones, makes the argument that black people have been key figures in the development of American democracy. Why does she make this claim and what evidence...

The host of the 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones, makes the argument that black people have been key figures in the development of American democracy. Why does she make this claim and what evidence does she provide? What is the “Great Nadir” or the “Second Slavery” in American history? What is the relationship between democracy and the struggle for racial equality?

According to Wesley Morris, what is the minstrel show and when did it emerge? Why is blackface associated with the form of segregation and racism known as Jim Crow? According to Morris, how does blackface continue to be used in our culture today? Can you think of any other examples of blackface today?