Examines the Civil War, emancipation, and the rise of Jim Crow laws in the South that impacted democratic rights for African Americans after the war and during the Reconstruction era. Discusses how white violence and racism affected civil rights progression, and draws parallels to today. Includes sidebars, black-and-white photographs and illustrations, and biographical profiles of notable individuals.

Let freedom ring! -- Men of color to arms! -- Fraught with great difficulty -- Restored -- The ballot with which to save ourselves -- Go on with your oppressions -- White reign of terror -- To the storm, to the whirlwind -- Moral weakness in high places -- Mighty current.