“post-Civil War” federal laws and policies or were in retaliation to them. The 13th amendment–and

[ . ] .  During the Reconstruction Era (1865-1877), the Southern states created many laws and policies of their own. These included “Black Codes” that either tried to minimize new “post-Civil War” federal laws and policies or were in retaliation to them.  The 13th amendment–and the celebration of etc (realized in 1865; first celebrated by African Americans in 1866)–these were very real.  No longer could a person be bought and sold; no longer could a member of that person’s family be bought and sold.  Huge step forward.  But—it was still a long way from full, equal rights and liberties. All of these restrictions were horrible, painful, and offensive. Just reading about them can help one better connect with the painful issues raised in recent days in demonstrations across the country. .