Why do we remember reconstruction the way we do?

TOPIC: This paper will be a research paper on the topic of the student’s choosing. The paper does not necessarily need to be on an American History topic nor does it necessarily need to occur during the time period this class covers (roughly 1865-present). Ideally, however, this paper would be at least somewhat related to course content.
This paper will ask you to think about how people, events, and even places in history are remembered. In other words, why do we remember World War II the way we do? Why do we remember Reconstruction the way we do? How has that changed over time?
Perhaps the best example I can cite for this paper, although not the only one, is Martin Luther King, Jr. While there is a holiday celebrating Dr. King now and he is near universally liked, during his lifetime he was considered a radical, was spied on by the FBI, was labeled a Communist and anti-American, and was mostly disliked by the media and politicians. Why is King now beloved, but during his lifetime hated? Why has his image been cleansed of the more radical elements?
For this paper, choose a historical event, person, or place and tackle questions such as: How is this person/place/event remembered now? How was it discussed during the time? Why do you think that has changed? Or has the memory of that person/event/place changed? If so, who or what drove that change? Is the new memory of this person/place/event accurate? Is it crafted for political or ideological reasons?
This paper will require you to do some research on your topic, but you can also state your opinion on why you think the memory of a person/place/event has changed. Your opinion must be backed up some level of research, though.
You Must: Have your topic approved by me;
Use 12-point font and double space your paper;
Write a minimum of two full pages (a page and a half does not count!);
Cite your sources in your paper and in a works cited page;
Upload your paper to Canvas no later than Sunday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED (if you have issues with Canvas, email me your paper)