The racial background of the United States is both rich and diverse, resulting from a fusion of race and heritage since its inception. This exceptional amalgamation emerged during the 1800s when a substantial influx of immigrants arrived, with African Americans playing a pivotal role in shaping America’s early history.
The fight for equality and rights as American people has spanned many years. The actions against African Americans immediately following the conclusion of the civil war were unfair. This initial unfair treatment sparked numerous debates that can all be traced back to the beginning of seeking fair treatment after years of mistreatment. The establishment of the Black Codes aimed to restrict and control the lives of ex-slaves (Bowels 2011). Being granted freedom does not mean much if your life is still controlled. Freedom cannot be considered true freedom if you are still treated unfairly, especially compared to other races.
The thirteenth amendment was established to put an end to slavery in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of equality for African Americans. The north’s economic expansion enticed numerous individuals, including millions of African Americans who sought employment opportunities and means to provide for their families. This mass relocation from the south to the north is commonly referred to as the Great Migration. Moreover, African Americans had distinctive prospects during World War Two, exemplified by the notable contributions made by the Tuskegee Airmen.
Moving forward in their fight for equal rights and treatments, Rosa Parks challenged the status quo by refusing to surrender her seat on a bus. Recognizing the need for further governmental involvement, Martin Luther King organized a monumental million-man march to the Nation’s capital. The endeavor for African Americans has been a prolonged and sometimes dangerous struggle. Former slave owners and many people in the southern region were unwilling to give up their way of life and what they considered as fair treatment for African Americans. However, with unwavering determination, the resolve to bring about change, and decisive legislative measures.
African Americans have played a crucial role in changing laws and taking significant steps towards fair and equal treatment, a right that all Americans should have. Their relentless pursuit of change has left an enduring impact on history. Unfortunately, the hopes and dreams of freedom for African Americans were shattered immediately after the civil war ended. Black codes were enforced, controlling every aspect of black individuals’ lives and hindering their newly acquired freedom from the civil war. This oppressive system prevented African Americans from migrating freely and reuniting with their families who had been sold during slavery. Additionally, vagrancy laws classified all freed individuals as vagrants if they were unemployed or homeless.
During this time, black individuals were subject to black codes which prevented them from engaging in various activities such as using public facilities, carrying weapons, and providing testimony against white men in court. Non-compliance with these codes led to imprisonment and hindered the advancement of equality and freedom. However, it is important to note that black codes did afford certain rights including the ability to marry and own land for black individuals. Although being a free black slave was significant for national unity during this era, the subsequent century would bring additional obstacles for the black community.
The Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution was a major amendment that outlawed slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It had jurisdiction over not just the United States but also any territory under its authority (US Constitution, Amendment 13, Section 1). The primary goal of this amendment was to eliminate slavery and advance equal rights for every American citizen. Its enactment resulted in the end of slavery and caused upheaval among former slave owners in the South.
Following secession from the union, the Southern States were obligated to release their slaves and endorse an amendment to be readmitted. This necessitated the South to discover fresh methods of sustenance and safeguarding their profitable crops. The acceptance of this amendment signified the liberation of African Americans, leading to the emancipation of a majority of enslaved plantation laborers. Despite enduring racism and segregation, these individuals were no longer compelled into slavery. It is crucial to acknowledge that slavery encompassed not just coerced work but also degradation, punishment, and a harsh way of life.
Slavery in America was a dark period in history, where slaves were treated even worse than the animals they were forced to care for. Although the thirteenth amendment abolished slavery, it did not address gender inequality, particularly for black women who faced unique challenges in work and childbirth. However, this amendment set the foundation for future equality between black males and females. The great migration, which involved millions of African Americans moving from the south to the north due to industrial growth, had a significant impact on population diversity. While there were previous migrations after the civil war, this one had a much greater influence.
From 1863 to 1960, African-Americans participated in a significant demographic event called “The Great Migration,” which involved the large-scale movement of African Americans from the South to the North. The biggest wave occurred between 1910 and 1920 (Bowels 2011). Various factors pushed African Americans to leave the South, while opportunities in the North attracted them. In spring 1916, around six million African-Americans migrated to the North and West areas of the United States.
Following the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, less than 8 percent of African-Americans lived in the Northeastern or Midwestern regions of the United States. This led to an investigation by the U.S. Senate. By 1900, about 90 percent of black individuals still resided in Southern states, with some choosing to find refuge in Canada to evade anti-abolitionists. To aid their movement, transportation choices for blacks consisted of trains, boats, buses, and occasionally cars.
The allure of good jobs, food, money, and a secure home for families attracted numerous African Americans during the Great Migration. This led to the development of the initial significant black urban communities in the Northern regions. However, along with this mass relocation came the presence of criminals. Due to overcrowding, many blacks were forced into cramped housing units that exceeded their intended capacity. For example, an apartment originally designed to comfortably accommodate five individuals would instead have twelve people residing in it.
The ghettos’ unsanitary conditions and lack of hygiene allowed diseases to flourish, leading to death. In addition, African Americans were aware of the limited job opportunities in the North due to an influx of workers, but they found better prospects and fair compensation in the South. Consequently, as a result of the Great Migration, some African Americans returned to the South while others moved to improved neighborhoods or suburbs in the North (Stewart E. Tolland, 2003).
The Tuskegee Airmen played a crucial role in achieving racial equality within the aviation sector of the military and represent a significant milestone in African American history. Despite being excluded from aerial combat in previous wars, these individuals broke barriers and made substantial contributions towards addressing racial disparities within the military. Therefore, they are widely acknowledged as World War II’s most influential air squadron. However, racism remained prevalent throughout this war.
The Tuskegee Airmen, the first black pilots in the Army Air Corps, faced opposition from white individuals who opposed African Americans flying planes or engaging in aerial combat. However, their journey began when President Roosevelt met with three African American military leaders and they advocated for equal treatment, fair draft administration, and the opportunity for African Americans to become pilots.
As a result of this meeting, a War Department policy directive was implemented to ensure that black men would be admitted into the military in proportion to the civilian black population. In 1940, the Army Air Corps proposed creating a fighter squadron made up exclusively of black pilots. Initially, thirteen trainees were selected for this program.
Training for these aspiring pilots took place in Tuskegee, Alabama – which is why they became known as “The Tuskegee Airmen.” It’s worth noting that most of their instructors were white.
The aim of the failure was to demonstrate to the War Department that African Americans were unfit for pilot roles. Nevertheless, Captain Benjamin O. Davis Jr., an influential figure in the achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen and highly trusted by the cadets, supported them in maintaining their determination despite Jim Crow laws. Instead of becoming disheartened, they persevered in their ambition to become pilots. Ultimately, the success of the Tuskegee Airmen showcased their importance in contributing to the war effort (Percy 2003).
The Tuskegee Airmen were instrumental in combat missions and aerial combat, making a significant contribution to the war’s victory. This program was a crucial milestone in achieving military equality and holds great historical importance. Another influential figure associated with the Civil Rights movement is Rosa Parks, an ordinary woman who commuted daily to work by bus. She held a job as a seamstress at a department store in Montgomery, Alabama. On December 1, 1955, during her regular bus ride home, it should be noted that the public bus had segregated sections.
In Montgomery, there existed a divisive division between white and black sections, with the black section being obliged to surrender their seat for whites once the white section reached capacity, thus compelling them to stand. This unjust law faced strong opposition from many African Americans who believed that it contradicted the equality they deserved. Furthermore, when one combines this law with the segregated services prevalent in Alabama, it becomes apparent that animosity towards free African Americans was pervasive. Despite facing threats from the bus driver, Rosa Parks adamantly refused to relinquish her seat. Consequently, she was arrested and fined $14, a penalty she never ultimately paid.
The news of Rosa Parks’ arrest quickly spread, resulting in the appearance of flyers all over black schools and businesses in Alabama. These flyers encouraged bus riders to find alternative ways of travel to demonstrate the unfair treatment of blacks by the predominantly white-owned bus company that served them. The aim was for the bus company to recognize the financial consequences of their discriminatory rules. This boycott lasted for more than a year until it was deemed illegal and unjust by the United States Supreme Court to treat people differently on buses based on their skin color (Weltering, M 2001).
Rosa Parks’ courageous actions during the racist era in Montgomery ignited the Civil Rights Movement, initiating a movement aimed at challenging oppressive laws that targeted black individuals. Another significant event in this movement was the Million Man March held in Washington D.C., which peacefully protested against mistreatment of African Americans and advocated for equal rights among all races. Despite opposition from figures like Mary Frances Berry, Chair of U.S Commission on Civil Rights,
The S. Civil Rights Commission expressed disapproval of the march, acknowledging the challenges faced by the black community but noting that the march proceeded as planned. The exact number of participants is uncertain, but it is estimated that between 1.5 and 2 million people participated. This impressive demonstration allowed for peaceful protest and gave African Americans a platform to voice their concerns. The objective was to attract attention from the Federal Government and address ongoing racism and unequal treatment endured by African Americans from white individuals.
The march was mainly attended by African American males, although individuals of different races also took part. These participants viewed the march as a chance to support equality and rights. Prominent figures including Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, and several black religious leaders were present. Although the peaceful protest eventually ended, it remains a widely discussed event and is recognized as one of the important moments of the Civil Rights Movement. African Americans have faced numerous challenges throughout history.
During the early days of America, African Americans endured unjust treatment and enslavement, which was considered legal. Nonetheless, President Lincoln’s actions were instrumental in uncovering this disgraceful behavior and ultimately resulted in the emancipation of slaves. However, resentful southerners implemented black codes to retain power over black individuals and resist changes that threatened their conventional way of life. Fortunately, the Thirteenth Amendment was enacted to officially put an end to slavery.
The creation of numerous amendments resulting from this was a positive move forward. The significant migration brought fresh aspirations and employment prospects in the North, attracting millions of African Americans who eagerly sought to join the American workforce. Nonetheless, they faced obstacles concerning housing, health, and overall well-being. Certain black individuals recognized that northern work did not align with their preferences and willingly decided to return to the South to pursue farming instead of being subjected to slavery’s grasp. Additionally, World War Two offered African Americans a chance to become pilots.
The Tuskegee Airmen showed courage in facing racism and defeating discrimination in the military. They played a vital part in the war by actively participating in aerial combat and bombing missions. Rosa Parks laid the foundation for the Civil Rights movement when she took action on a bus, sparking widespread protest among black individuals who refused to ride buses in Montgomery, Alabama. This protest lasted over a year until Congress declared it illegal. The Million Man March is a noteworthy event in the Civil Rights movement.
Blacks showed up in large numbers to advocate for equality and combat racism on the federal level, despite disagreement from leaders of the Civil Rights Committee. These actions by African Americans are just a fraction of the numerous triumphs they have achieved since the abolition of slavery. Over the years, African Americans have made numerous sacrifices and participated in various events in their tireless pursuit to eradicate racism, establish equality, and bring about transformative change in America. Their efforts will leave an indelible mark on history.
