The history of the American people is also a history of those brought over as slaves from West Africa originally. The story of this country cannot be told without their contributions, struggles and lasting impacts as well.
African Americans first came to the U.S. as slaves through the middle passage starting around 1565.The slave trade brought an estimated 60 million slaves from west and central Africa.Slavery was active in our country up until the thirteenth amendment, which abolished slavery after the Civil War.
People were still racist against African Americans for quite some time, even after slavery was abolished. Blacks didnt have as many rights as whites, and they were looked down upon everywhere they went.
The American Civil Rights Movement helped end some discrimination and segregation from the 1940s up until the early 70s. It helped African Americans get into the middle class and politics.
Some famous African Americans-
W.E.B. Du Bois- Political activist who helped found the Niagara Movement, which called for an end to racial discrimination, civil liberties, and recognition of brotherhood.
Martin Luther King Jr.- Leader of the Civil Rights Movement.Youngest man to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.In his famous I have a dream speech, he spoke about wanting blacks and whites to live together peacefully.
Edward Brooke- First black American to be elected to the U.S. Senate by popular vote in 1966.
Malcolm X- Started off as a drug dealer and burglar, but then became one of the most known black leaders in the U.S.Founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity, and was a black Muslim minister.
Rosa Parks- Civil Rights activist. Most famous for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in 1955.Known as the Mother of the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement.
Frederick Douglass- Born a slave that was separated from his mother at a very young age.Later became an abolitionist who wrote newspapers about the unification and rights of blacks.
Jesse Owens- Track star in the U.S. that set records for long jump, hurdles, and sprinting.
Willie Mays- Baseball player who started out in the Negro National League at age 17.When he retired in 1973, he had the fourth highest total homeruns on record-660.
Julia wrote: Out of all of the people in the world, why do you think African Americans were targeted as the first slaves?
Probably because of their race mostly, and of the fact that they were from Africa. There were no black people in America at that time, so they were discriminated against and thought to be lower than whites. Whites thought of them as animals almost, and they probably figured, "hey what the heck?" so they made them do whatever they wanted.
hope that answered your question hun idk if I know what I'm talking about. ha
Haha, it's okay. I don't really know either. I was thinking it might have something to do with their features. Like I heard that African Americans have calves that are higher than ours, making their legs stronger? Don't really know if it's true but I'm pretty sure that would make them better workers.
Haha, it's okay. I don't really know either. I was thinking it might have something to do with their features. Like I heard that African Americans have calves that are higher than ours, making their legs stronger? Don't really know if it's true but I'm pretty sure that would make them better workers.
Out of all of the people in the world, why do you think African Americans were targeted as the first slaves?
I dont think Africans were the first slaves. There were slaves thaousands of years before that. In America, Native Americans were slaves before African Americans. However, they had neverbeen exposed to the diseases Europeans broght over so they died easily. Also, it wasn't very beneficial for Europeans to use Native Americans because they knew the lay of the land and could run away. Africans, were immune to alot of the diseases that Europeans carried. Also taking them from their homeland and bringing them to America, was an advantage because, since the country was foreign to them, it was harder for them run away. Europeans also took Africans from different tribes so that they couldn't communicate with one another, reducing the chance of escape.
Julia wrote: Out of all of the people in the world, why do you think African Americans were targeted as the first slaves?
Probably because of their race mostly, and of the fact that they were from Africa. There were no black people in America at that time, so they were discriminated against and thought to be lower than whites. Whites thought of them as animals almost, and they probably figured, "hey what the heck?" so they made them do whatever they wanted.
hope that answered your question hun idk if I know what I'm talking about. ha
they were also found inferior due to thier religon, it was not as organized, and many were polytheistic, which whites frownd upon.
Frederick Douglas lived from 1818-1895. He was an abolitionist, editor, orator, author, statesman, and reformer. He was one of the most influential lecturers and authors in American history. He didn't believe in just equal rights for himslef and blacks,, but also believed in equal rights for immigrants, females, whites, Native Americans, he believed in equal rights for everyone. He was born a slave but then separated from his mother when he was an infant. When he was 12, Sophia Auld broke the law by teaching him some letters of the alphabet. He then learned to read and write and Mr. Auld dissaproved of this. He later on in his life became an aboloitionist and even conferred with Lincoln on the treatment of black soldiers. He later on became a minister of a church.
What about sojourner truth. She was a famous african american woman who was one of the earliest activists against unfair treatment of african americans and protested slavery. Her words of wisdom against slavery consisted of many religious quotes and sayings. She also spoke up for women's sufferage. Her words captured the attention of many people all over America.
Out of all of the people in the world, why do you think African Americans were targeted as the first slaves?
I dont think Africans were the first slaves. There were slaves thaousands of years before that. In America, Native Americans were slaves before African Americans. However, they had neverbeen exposed to the diseases Europeans broght over so they died easily. Also, it wasn't very beneficial for Europeans to use Native Americans because they knew the lay of the land and could run away. Africans, were immune to alot of the diseases that Europeans carried. Also taking them from their homeland and bringing them to America, was an advantage because, since the country was foreign to them, it was harder for them run away. Europeans also took Africans from different tribes so that they couldn't communicate with one another, reducing the chance of escape.
Nice job Makeda!...and we can't forget about the Romans, who used people from all types of religions, races, etc. as slaves...this goes way back before America was even founded...Credit to Mr. Ouellete and Latin class ;) ... Anyway, the idea of slavery had been around basically forever, so it was only a matter of time before America started using slavery too. And don't forget the indentured servants who refused to work after they were being treated unfairly...Americans needed (wanted, because slavery wasn't necessary) to look somewhere else since their options at home were becoming limited.
I think it is very important to mention not just the big-named activists and protestors, but the "little people" that fought everyday just to lead their daily lives.
Krystal, you forgot about Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Michael Jordan, Angela Davis, Huey Newton. What about the 1966 Texas Western College basketball team who won the NCAA national championship with an all-black starting five.
I think it is very important to mention not just the big-named activists and protestors, but the "little people" that fought everyday just to lead their daily lives.
Can anyone think of any?
the guy with the really long dreds that go to schools and speak to kids about his experiences during his youth about sit ins at restaurants. i think all those people that stood up to authority like that, and protested in their local towns took a lot of courage, even if they were arrested. People who did things like that and aren't as famous as malcolm x and martin luther king jr., and other famous activists should be accounted for as well. i don't know many others that did things like that, personally, but those who did should receive recognition.
John Leslie "Wes" Montgomery - he was a jazz guitarist who in his time was known for certain techniques of playing such as the Naptown sound and plucking the guitar strings with his finger for a mellower sound. He was born March 6 (1973) and died
Marcus Garvey- promoted black nationalism during the 1920s and encouraged African Americans to support their communities and businesses run by African Americans. He was also known for his support of the Back to Africa movement, promoting the idea of African Americans to move back to Africa to get away from the racism and discrimination of America.
I also like this topic. I feel American take on African Americans and racism or superiorty as whites has come a long way, however, opening my eyes to reality and not the praise that's been indoctrinated to us since we were younger, "We finally have total equality and blah blah," i DO still see room for improvement, and i think i always will feel in such important issues like this, that we can come along way, and there will always be a strive, or a reach, for something better, a freedom a little beyond the expectations so many settle to expect.
and, Makeda, I dont think Africans were the first slaves either, it probably would have been my initial response, however, after thinking about it, you make a really good (valid) point of time place and communication, and I agreeee. kelseyyy raeeeee
Harriet Tubman - SHe was known as "Moses of her people." Harriet was an African-American abolitionist. She escaped from slavery. She then went and made about 13 missions to rescue about 70 enslaved friends and family members and escaped to Canada using the Underground Railroad.During her lifetime Harriert worked as a lumberjack, laundress, nurse, and cook. She helped in inspiring many slaves to escape independently by showing them it was indeed possible.
idk if I know what I'm talking about. ha
