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Creation of the Freedmen's Bureau
As the concept of slavery concluded, many African Americans that were now freed found themselves lacking the resources needed for further advancement. The Freedmen’s Bureau, created in 1865, provided newly freed individuals with food, labor and education throughout the Southern states. Establishment of this bureau made the shift from slavery a smoother transformation for newly freed African Americans. -
Ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment
Prior to passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, African Americans were denied many rights, including the right to vote. The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, granted suffrage rights to all men with the inclusion of African American males. Although this extension of rights provided much hope regarding equal treatment and citizenship for African Americans, racism in white southerners still existed. -
The Great Migration
In the early 20th century, African Americans began fleeing the south, making their way to northern cities such as New York, Chicago and Cleveland. Although the Civil War had long been over, African Americans were still experiencing racism in the south. This, combined with the job openings in the north, motivated blacks to migrate to northern cities, known as The Great Migration. Unfortunately, blacks were still met with racism in the form of resentment from fellow European immigrants. -
The Niagara Movement
Taking place on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, W.E.B. Du Bois and other civil rights leaders gathered in effort to extend civil rights granted to African Americans. The “Declaration of Principles” was created, outlining political, economic and social equality for blacks. Principles that were specifically listed included education and political rights for African Americans. There were twenty-one Niagara chapters formed, helping to pave the way for civil rights and combat racism. -
Entering the Workforce
As the United States entered World War I, African Americans found economic opportunities on the home front. World War I created many job opportunities in shipbuilding, steel and mining industries. However, this influx of African Americans in the workforce resulted in lingering racism in both the North and the South, where Northerners attempted to prohibit blacks from moving into certain neighborhoods and Southern plantation owners threatened blacks into staying in the south. -
The Harlem Renaissance
In the 1920’s, African Americans began re-experiencing black culture. Determined to override any existing racism, many African American artists and writers emerged in effort to embrace black culture and create a sense of African American pride. Much of this cultural expression took place in Harlem, New York, lending the name The Harlem Renaissance.
