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Biography

The Remarkable Rollin Sisters

    Education

    Family

    Politics

    Women's Voices

    Civil War & Reconstruction, 1860-1890

The inside title page is covered in decorative floral and leaf scroll work. The title reads, [ILLUMINATED / DIARY / for / 1868.]. Underneath is an illustrated image of the sea with a mast ship. The publisher below reads, [PUBLISHED BY / TAGGARD & THOMPSON, No. 29 CORNHILL, / BOSTON.]
We ask suffrage not as a favor, not as a privilege, but as a right based on the ground that we are human beings, and as such, entitled to all human rights.

Charlotte Rollin, address to Woman’s Rights Convention, Columbia, S.C., 1870

As for the State of South Carolina, of which we are natives, take my word for it . . . the rebels will never get it back into their hands again while there are ninety thousand votes cast by the Black race at our elections.

Katherine Rollin, 1871

A photograph of an African American woman washing laundry outdoors in a yard. Clothes hand behind her on a line.

Atlanta Washerwomen Strike

In 1881, washerwomen in Atlanta formed a union and went on strike to demand better wages. Learn about the harsh conditions they faced and how they won.

Black and white photograph of three children walking down street.  There are houses in the background.

George Henry White

George Henry White was the last African American congressman of the 1800s. Learn about his life before and after Congress and his commitment to justice.

An illustration of a school house on fire. Some onlookers cheer, while others run towards help.

Memphis Massacre

In 1866, police and white civilians attacked the African American community in Memphis, Tennessee. Learn about the massacre and listen to survivor testimony.

Printed cartoon showing the assignation of Octavius Catto in Philadelphia in 1871.

Octavius Catto

Octavius Catto was a civil rights activist in Pennsylvania. Learn about his life and impact in Philadelphia’s Black community during Reconstruction.

People waiting in line to vote
Present to Past

Legislating Rights

    Education

Three quarter length oil painting portrait of a woman with closely cropped hair holding a teacup and saucer decorated.  She is dressed in a high necked red blouse with a yellow scarf. She also wears a black and white stiped pants.
Historic Event

The Power of a Portrait

    Politics

Black and white photgraph of 6 Black children standing in a line with hands by theri side.  There are 2 boys and 4 girls pictured.  The children are dressed up for school and look directly at the camera
Historic Event

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka

    Politics