Nonfiction
Book
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PUBLISHED
©2026
DESCRIPTION
xvi, 250 pages ; 24 cm
ISBN/ISSN
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NOTES
Indigenous people : resisting coloniers -- In search of religious freedom -- Response to enslavement : rebellion, self-emancipation, and the underground railroad -- Abolitionists : agitation and aid -- Women rise up -- A new day for women -- The labor movement -- Civil rights -- Peace movement : opposition to the Vietnam War -- Protecting the earth -- Epilogue
A compelling survey of the key revolutionary moments when the promise of America has been fully realized, paying particular attention to the women and people of color history has overlooked. Compiled by journalists Michael I. Days and Angela P. Dodson as a reminder that America has always been sustained by rebellion and activism
"America's founding was contradictory one. When the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago, it painted a beautiful vision of freedom and equality. It was quite the gutsy move, declaring freedom--especially economic and religious freedom--amind slavery and oppression of others. Indeed, for the majority of our nation's history, America hasn't lived up to its founding vision of freedom. Various movements have helped define and shape America, for good or bad, nudging us toward greater freedoms at times and pulling us back at others. In our current era, these contradictions feel even more profounds, and many of us are left wondering if America will ever live up to the promises of her founding or if we are moving even further away from those hopes. Yet, a deeper look at our history reveals key revolutionary moments in which the promise of America has been fully realized. We've Been Here Before draws together the stories of these movements as a powerful reminder that America has always been sustained and challenged by rebellion and activisim. Longtime journalists Michael I. Days and Angela P. Dodson compellingly profile the individuals who led those movements--the mavericks, rebels, outliers, and ordinary citizens who had extraordinary impact--paying particular attention to the women and people of color history has overlooked. At this important historical milestone, let us look back to celebrate thos moments and let them guide our future."-- Book jacket