Black Militias and the Election of 1870

The period of Reconstruction was one of the most transformative, and turbulent, eras in Louisiana's history. On Thursday, March 20th, historian Dr. John Jacob Calhoun will lead an in-depth discussion on the unprecedented presence and success of Black militias during Reconstruction. This talk will explore how these organized groups emerged in response to racial violence, their role in protecting Black voters, and their influence on the pivotal 1870 election.

This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with an essential but often neglected chapter of Louisiana's past. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of Reconstruction, as well as the lasting impact of Black militias on the state's political history.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr. J Jacob Calhoun completed his Ph.D. in American History at the University of Virginia in May 2024. His dissertation, titled "Reconstruction through Rifles: The Role of Violence in Black Americans' Fight for Liberty in the Postemancipation Era," examines how Black southerners acted as the military and political vanguard during Reconstruction, specifically focusing on their use of measured force to combat white terrorism in the post-emancipation South.

Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Calhoun earned a Master of Arts in History from the University of Maryland-College Park, where he defended his thesis, "Cultivating Politics: The Formation of a Black Body Politic in the Postemancipation Louisiana Sugar Parishes." For more information about Dr. Calhoun, visit: https://www.jjacobcalhoun.com/