You are right here, only I would add some emphasis. The extension of, 
defense of, and struggle against the racial caste system were central in 
Virginia's story for the first two thirds of the 20th century. After the 
civil rights movement, the quest for economic development moved into the 
central spot. That is not just Black History--that is Virginia History 
in that period!

Jim Hershman

[log in to unmask] wrote:
> If we review the constitutional history of Virginia, most especially in the 20th century, it is hard not to conclude that the range of topics generally grouped under the term "Black History" were not central to Virginia's political order.  Indeed, from the perspective of the state's constitutional history, its fair to say that "Black History" illuminates many of the most central issues of Virginia history.  If constitutional history provides, as the conservative political theorist Don Lutz suggest, insight into the way in which a people define themselves, "Black History" at least potentially strikes to the core of Virginia's 20th century public identity and public order.  
>
> So I must agree with Mr. South.  Discussion of Black History would be germane and appropriate for this conversation.
>
> All best,
> Kevin
>
> ---- Original message ----
>   
>> Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 11:29:55 -0500
>> From: Yojsouth <[log in to unmask]>  
>> Subject: Re: Apology  
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>
>> I agree.  During this annual celebration of Black History I would think there would be more substantive discussions in that regard.
>>
>> J South
>>     
> Kevin R. Hardwick, Ph.D.
> Department of History
> James Madison University
>
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