A man convicted for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection shows off his pardon from President Donald Trump. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

The US has pardoned insurrectionists twice before – and both times, years of violent racism followed

It’s not yet clear whether Trump’s pardons will herald a period of national harmony – as past presidents hoped for – or more incidents of violence, as actually resulted.
Chief Petty Officer Graham Jackson mourns the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt on April 13, 1945. Edward Clark/Life Magazine

I’ve spent 5 years researching the heroic life of Black musician Graham Jackson, but teaching his story could be illegal under laws in Florida and North Dakota

Jackson used his musical talents to overcome racial barriers in the United States. But telling Jackson’s story may not be legal under proposed laws restricting how race is taught.

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