A Black Historian and author, Irene Smalls grew up in Harlem, where Double Dutch was her favorite game. She graduated from Cornell University with a B.A. in Black Studies and New York University with an M.B.A. She is the author of 15 books for children, including Kevin and his Dad.
(published by Little, Brown). Irene Smalls lectures at schools and conferences around the country.
Irene lives in Boston, Massachusetts.
Black History and Donald Trump: A Complex Interplay
The significance of the 14th Amendment in African-American history is profound. While the 13th Amendment of 1865 marked the end of slavery in the United States, it did not confer citizenship upon formerly enslaved African Americans. For over two years, from February 1, 1865, to July 9, 1868, African-Americans did not have a country. They found themselves without citizenship in their own country. It was only with the ratification of the 14th Amendment on July 9, 1868, that African-Americans became citizens of the United States.
However, the ramifications of the 14th Amendment extend far beyond its historical context. This amendment has become a focal point of contention in contemporary political discourse, particularly for figures like Donald Trump and the Republican Party. The 14th Amendment, in its essence, empowers the government to penalize states that restrict citizens’ voting rights by proportionally reducing their representation in Congress.
Moreover, the 14th Amendment prohibits individuals who have participated in insurrection against the United States from holding any civil, military, or elected office without the approval of two-thirds of the House and the Senate. Think of Jan 6, 2021
#blackhistorymonth #votingrights #presidentialelection #africanamericanhistory #donaldtrump #usconstitution #citizenship
