When Reconstruction ended in the South in 1876, white political leaders moved swiftly to establish what they called a “redemption” — the re-establishment of white supremacist rule. Now, 60 years after the Civil Rights Act, white conservative political leaders are again moving to roll back advances toward racial and sexual equality. Are we in a second “redemption”?
We talk about that with Princeton historian Kevin Kruse, who grew up in the South and has studied its political currents in the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement. He also discusses the lessons — and hopes — provided by the history of resistance and liberation movements in the South.
In our news roundup, we look at the explosion of crypto mines and massive AI data centers across the South — often with the enthusiastic support of state and local officials. One operation in Texas is poised to become the first 1-gigwatt crypto mine, using enough energy to power a city of 250,000 homes.
And our arts and culture segment checks in on this weekend’s Florida Folk Festival — a celebration of the complex state’s cultural diversity.