Race series to focus on Hayes

FREMONT — Hayes Presidential Library and Museums history and a University of California professor are to host a virtual conversation on Rutherford B. Hayes' connection to slavery, race and civil rights. Dustin McLochlin, historian at HPLM and Gregory Downs, professor of history at the University of California — Davis will present the program from 7-8 p.m. Thursday. Rutherford B. Hayes' record on civil rights for African Americans is known to be complex, as he and his election are cited as reasons for major losses in rights for freed slaves in the south, according to information provided by the Hayes Presidential Library and Museums. On the other hand, Hayes is said to have defended runaway slaves while working as an attorney in Cincinnati and fought to end slavery during the Civil War. This program is part of "Reckoning: A Series on U.S. Presidents and Racial Inequity." It is hosted by the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum in partnership with HPLM and other presidential sites across the country, McLochlin said. McLochlin and Downs will share research and expertise on Hayes and the time period. "The importance of this event came into clearer focus in 2020 after President Donald Trump contested the election outcome, and (even more to the point) when Sen. Ted Cruz called for an Electoral Commission using the 1876 election as his precedent," McLochlin said. "The story of how that election concluded and Hayes' role in it provide us with insight into how our democracy functions and the pitfalls that could lead to its demise." McLochlin is the author of several essays that trace the evolution of Hayes' thoughts on slavery, race and reconstruction. These essays can be read at https://www.rbhayes.org/hayes/hayes-evolving-views-on-anti-slavery-reconstruction/. He earned his Ph.D. in policy history from Bowling Green State University. Downs has written three books about reconstruction and the Civil War era. Registration for the event is required, and the program will be presented on Zoom. To register, visit https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1dtNXZEUTvCzCpAo8MbT2g. The series includes discussions on various presidents. For the schedule and information, visit https://www.presidentsandrace.org/.