Grant’s character, along with his treatment of African-Americans, American-Indians and Jews, matured from first-hand experience during the Civil War, as well as his Presidency. Grant’s support and leadership in civil rights, was decades ahead of his time. He stood up for their rights, despite widespread opposition from the south and the American public. Their determination, coupled with his support, unleashed opportunities they had never experienced.

Chris Burns is a Civil War historian and lifelong Cincinnati resident. In 2016, Burns completed 16 years of research for an upcoming book about Ulysses S. Grant with noted historian Dr. James A. Ramage. He currently speaks on various aspects of Ulysses S. Grant’s life, as well as the Siege of Cincinnati. Burns is a former adjunct history faculty-member at NKU and is currently employed as Marketing and Education Manager at Encore Technologies. His passion is researching history and touring battlefields, as well as working with educators to prepare students for college and career readiness.