The Third Reconstruction: America's Struggle for Racial Justice

In , distinguished historian Peniel E. Joseph offers a powerful and personal new interpretation of recent history. The racial reckoning that unfolded in 2020, he argues, marked the climax of a Third Reconstruction: a new struggle for citizenship and dignity for Black Americans, just as momentous as the movements that arose after the Civil War and during the civil rights era. Joseph draws revealing connections and insights across centuries as he traces this Third Reconstruction from the election of Barack Obama to the rise of Black Lives Matter to the failed assault on the Capitol.

America’s first and second Reconstructions fell tragically short of their grand aims. Our Third Reconstruction offers a new chance to achieve Black dignity and citizenship at last—an opportunity to choose hope over fear.

Join us for a limited-capacity in-person book launch event and celebration with Peniel E. Joseph in conversation with Jesse Jackson Jr. about America's struggle for racial justice in the twenty-first century.

****Masks and proof of vaccination are required for all attendees. Doors will open at 6:30 PM.***

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Speakers:

Peniel E. Joseph is the Barbara Jordan Chair in Ethics and Political Values, Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, and Associate Dean for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the LBJ School of Public Affairs and Professor of History at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of award-winning books on African American history, including The Sword and the Shield and Stokely: A Life. He lives in Austin, Texas.  His newest book is

Jesse Jackson Jr. is an author, speaker, and former United States Representative. He is a long-time advocate for racial, social, economic, and environmental justice, and his current projects continue to focus on furthering democracy and fighting for a more equitable America.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Haymarket House, 800 West Buena Avenue, Chicago, United States