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The First African "Slaves"
The first Africans to arrive on the shores of the west were aboard an English privateer, "White Lion". They arrived in Jamestown and were traded as indentured servants in late August of 1619. This marked the beginning of a slavery in the U.S.
Ponti, Crystal. “America’s History of Slavery Began Long before Jamestown.” History.Com, AE Television Networks, 6 Mar. 2025, www.history.com/articles/american-slavery-before-jamestown-1619. -
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Colonial Era
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The First Recorded African American
The first recorded African born in the United States was William Tucker. On January 3rd, 1624, he was baptized. He would be the first of many that were later coined "African Americans". -
The First African Lifetime Slavery in the U.S.
When runaway indentured servants were caught, they were sentenced to additional years of service. John Punch, an African, was sentenced to service for life. This action that was supported by the government created the first African American slave in the U.S.
Costa, Contributor: Tom. “Runaway Enslaved People and Indentured Servants in Colonial Virginia.” Encyclopedia Virginia, 26 Aug. 2024, encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/runaway-slaves-and-servants-in-colonial-virginia/. -
The Slave Codes
The Virginia Slave Codes were passed by the Colony of Virginia, which allowed the enslavement of Africans that were not Christian. These slave codes promoted slavery, and provided immoral ways to gain free labor.
Costa, Contributor: Tom. “Runaway Enslaved People and Indentured Servants in Colonial Virginia.” Encyclopedia Virginia, 26 Aug. 2024, encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/runaway-slaves-and-servants-in-colonial-virginia/. -
African Americans Enlist
In 1775, George Washington allowed African Americans to enlist to fight against the British. They didn't earn any rights this way, but roughly 5000 African Americans joined George Washington's army.
Mark, Harrison W. “African Americans in the American Revolution.” World History Encyclopedia, https://www.worldhistory.org#organization, 9 May 2024, www.worldhistory.org/article/2449/african-americans-in-the-american-revolution/. -
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Post American Revolution Era
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The Underground Railroad
Throughout the 1800's, northern whites and blacks secretly helped slave escapees reach safety in the north. This formed what is called the "Underground Railroad". Harriet Tubman, a black woman and former slave, was a key contributor to this system of escape.
Hendricks, Monet. “A Timeline of African American History in the United States.” Social Studies, Social Studies School Service, 28 Jan. 2024, www.socialstudies.com/blog/a-timeline-of-african-american-history-in-the-united-states/. -
The American Civil War Starts
The American Civil war was a war fought between the American north (the Union states), and the American south(the Confederate states). It was fought over the issue of slavery, and the rights of African Americans.
Hendricks, Monet. “A Timeline of African American History in the United States.” Social Studies, Social Studies School Service, 28 Jan. 2024, www.socialstudies.com/blog/a-timeline-of-african-american-history-in-the-united-states/. -
The 13th amendment and the End of the Civil War
When The Civil war ended, and President Abraham Lincoln forcefully united the country again, he and congress passed the 13th amendment, which outlawed slavery in the U.S. This was the first time slavery was abolished by any government.
“13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Abolition of Slavery (1865).” National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/13th-amendment. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025. -
Founding of the NAACP
On February 12th, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. This movement was founded by influential people such as W.E.B. Du Bois. It- along with other civil rights movements- helped African Americans gain equal civil rights.
“Our History.” NAACP, NCAAP Company, 1 Nov. 2024, naacp.org/about/our-history. -
"I Have A Dream" Speech by Martin Luther King Jr.
On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave one of the most famous speeches in American history. It turned the hearts of many people towards the relationship between White and Black Americans. It would be a large step forward in the fight for civil rights for everyone.
“Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech in Its Entirety.” HistoryNet, 15 Mar. 2023, www.historynet.com/martin-luther-king-jr-i-have-a-dream-speech/. -
The 44th President
Barak Obama was the first person of African American descent to be elected as president of the United States. He was elected on November 4th, 2008.