This course examines the complex tapestry of race relations in modern America. Students will unravel the threads that connect Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movements, shedding light on their profound influence on contemporary racial dynamics. We'll begin with a concise examination of Reconstruction. Through engaging discussions and insightful analysis, we will uncover how Reconstruction's legacy of de facto and de jure segregation continues to reverberate in today's society. Next, we will look at the Civil Rights Movements of the 1960s to 1980s, dissecting the methodologies employed by courageous activists who challenged both government policies and societal norms. We’ll bridge the past with the present by engaging in thoughtful discussions about how these historical events continue to shape modern-day race relations. By the end of this course, students will have a deep understanding of the historical underpinnings of race relations and the tools to critically analyze and contribute to ongoing conversations about equity and justice in contemporary America.