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Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation in Art ​| BRIdge From the Past

Why is the Emancipation Proclamation such a significant document in U.S. history, and how can an image manifest this? In this episode of BRIdge From the Past, Mary explores a lithograph of Abraham Lincoln writing the Emancipation Proclamation. Printed in 1863, the lithograph depicts the commander-in-cheif’s challenging task of wording the Emancipation Proclamation with what he called “an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity.” What symbolic details in this lithograph showcase Lincoln’s struggles drafting the Emancipation Proclamation? What does the image tell us about how he strategically and constitutionally justified his action?

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Monuments and Historical Narratives: The Freedman’s Memorial | BRIdge from the Past

11 Min

How can historical narratives help us understand statutes and memorials? In a special episode, Liz fills in for Mary to explore the Emancipation Memorial, also known as the Freedman's Memorial, in Washington, DC. After Lincoln's assassination, a group of formerly enslaved individuals raised money for this statue to honor Abraham Lincoln. How did this sculpture fit into the greater story of African American rights during Reconstruction?