10/15/2025
This week, we're excited to recommend Freedom Was in Sight: A Graphic History of Reconstruction in the Washington, D.C., Region as an engaging and accessible classroom resource. Check out this resource and meet the author at our event tomorrow!
Historian Kate Masur, & illustrator Liz Clarke bring to life the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans who, after the Civil War, worked to reunite families, build schools and communities, and claim long-denied rights. The book highlights both well-known figures like Frederick Douglass and Ida B. Wells, as well as everyday heroes such as Emma Brown, the first African American teacher in Washington’s public schools, and William Calvin Chase, editor of the Washington Bee.
Its vivid visuals and human-centered storytelling make the complexities of Reconstruction compelling and understandable, helping students see how the promises and challenges of this era continue to shape our nation today.
The story told in Freedom Was in Sight is especially relevant for students because it connects past struggles for freedom, equality, and education to the issues young people continue to face in their own communities.
By exploring the courage and determination of people who refused to accept second-class citizenship, students can understand that democracy is not fixed or guaranteed, but something that must be built and defended through collective action. These stories inspire students to reflect on their own power to create a more just and inclusive society.
Graphic novels like this one are a powerful tool for teaching history because they combine visuals and text to make complex events and ideas more accessible and engaging. They allow students to connect with historical figures and experiences on a personal level, bringing emotions, struggles, and triumphs to life in ways traditional texts sometimes cannot.
Using graphic novels in the classroom supports diverse learning styles, encourages critical thinking about both words and images, and helps make history feel immediate, relevant, and meaningful for students today.
Resource: https://uncpress.org/9781469680187/freedom-was-in-sight/
Register for our event with the author: https://centerx.gseis.ucla.edu/event/reconstruction-with-kate-masur/
