Kate Masur in conversation with Laurice Bell: Freedom Was in Sight!

Born from the tumult and violence of the Civil War, the Reconstruction era delivered the most powerful changes the United States had seen since its founding. Vividly drawn by award-winning graphic artist Liz Clarke and written by Pulitzer Prize–finalist Kate Masur, a leading historian of Reconstruction, Freedom Was in Sight! reveals the hopes and betrayals of a critical period in American history. This rich graphic draws on the words and experiences of people who lived during Reconstruction, powerfully narrating how the impacts of emancipation and civil war rippled outward for decades.

Kate Masur has been teaching history at Northwestern since 2005 and has two kids who are ETHS graduates. Her previous book, Until Justice Be Done: America’s First Civil Rights Movement, from the Revolution to Reconstruction, was a finalist for the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in History. She will be in conversation with Laurice Bell, an Evanston native and Executive Director of Shorefront Legacy Center. Laurice is dedicated to preserving the history of Black communities in Chicago's North Shore, and co-founded and co-produces Evanston Rules, a podcast that delves into race and highlights the often untold stories of the community’s history.

Laurice and Kate are currently collaborating on a project that strengthens ties between the community and the university, focused on racial equity and supported by a Racial Equity and Community Partnership Grant from Northwestern.

This event will take place from 6:00-7:00 PM, followed by a signing. There will be a Happy Hour at the MiniBar from 5:00-6:00 preceding the author talk.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

1620 Orrington Ave, 1620 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, United States