Howdy folks! Well… Georgia.
Register here if that was enough for you: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAofuyhqz4uHtKU9t_pY_PKpSNmtsugylAH
This state has been the sight of many moments of historical significance in the overall story arc of voter suppression in this country. From the Georgia Secession Convention in 1861 to the tactics used to oust Black men from congress in 1868 and then move to the practice of convict leasing in 1876 to Jim Crow laws that terrorized Black folks through the 60’s, Georgia has engaged in the terrorization and disenfranchisement of Black folks for generations.
For this special session, AJ (with special help from Charles!) will take a look at the historical side of Georgia’s voter suppression from multiple points in history. It’s important to remember that the fight for freedom, equality and equity for Black and Brown people has at many times centered on access to a fair ballot.
Learning some of the historical narrative of Georgia will help us gain a better understanding of the magnitude of this moment and what the chance to flip the state would mean to countless generations of disenfranchised and underrepresented communities.
Below are some readings for folks who are interested in a deeper understanding of the topics we will be talking about during the session.
Articles:
Georgia document of secession
https://www.todayingeorgiahistory.org/content/georgia-secedes-union (very short version)
https://m.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/government-politics/georgia-secession-convention-1861 (short version)
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/declaration-causes-seceding-states (secession declaration language)
Original 33
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/the-camilla-massacre-1868/
https://www.georgiapol.com/2018/02/01/original-33-georgia-general-assembly/
Georgia laws during Jim Crow
Freedom summer in Georgia
