Between 2020 and 2025, we saw a period of progress followed by a swift rollback. In reflecting on this change, I must remind us of the period of Reconstruction. 

During Reconstruction, Black Americans experienced eight years of freedom, building businesses and communities, even becoming elected officials. After only eight years, these freedoms were taken away. 

In the aftermath of the horrific killing of George Floyd, we entered into a similar period where it seemed as if we were making great progress. America was seeing itself and didn’t like what it saw. However, the country seemed to decide that it would only go so far. We did not get nearly enough systemic change, especially at the federal level. 

All this means we still have to be engaged and ready to do the work of reconstructing the country we want to live in. 

See an excerpt of my conversation on this topic with civil rights attorney Angela Groves in this video. 

*Defending democracy is 24/7/365