African Americans in the United States 22

+ African Americans in the United States 22 December 2011 Danielle Marie Montagne

Objective: + During today’s lecture, we will discuss: n The term “African American” n African Americans in United States History n n The Civil war and Reconstruction n n Slave Trade and Slavery The Civil Rights Movement & Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Issues of the Modern African American n Media Coverage A Cast Study: New York City n n Politics and Social Issues Personal Experience and Thoughts Discussion and Student Questions

+ I. The Term: African American n The term “African American” carries important political overtones. n Blacks in America no longer approve of the term “Negro”, “Colored”, “Mullato” or “Blacks” n In the 1980 s the term “African American” was developed on the model of other national groups in America, such as “German. Amrerican” or “Irish-American” n Many blacks in America express a preference for the term “African American”. n Many black Americans feel that the term African Americans is more than a name expressive of cultural and historical roots.

+ II. The History of African Americans in the United States The Slave Trade and American Slavery n The slave trade began in the 15 th Century n The first slaves arrived in Jamestown in 1619 n Demand for cheap labor on agricultural farms increased desire for slaves and stimulated the slave trade. n During the slave trade, more than 15 million African men, women and children were kidnapped from Africa and shipped to America.

+ Images of the Slave Trade & Slavery

+ Everyday Life for Slaves n Most slaves lived in the Southern States working on plantations. n Some slaves in the north—especially early in the slave trade, but not needed for as much manual labor. n Chattel Slavery—people are treated as personal property where they can be bought and sold freely. n Faced physical, emotional and religious hardships n Physically and emotionally abused n Forced to convert to Christianity n Children sold; families broken. n Forbidden to learn to read—fear of rebellion. n Forced to give up their cultural traditions and languages. n Many slaves and their decedents felt as though they lost their identities.

+ American Slave Life

+ Forms of Resistance: Slave Rebellions in the South n American Slaves had a history of fighting back against white oppression. n Stono Rebellion of 1739—(largest organized rebellion) recruited 60 slaves and killed 30 white people. n Nat Turner Rebellion of 1831—killed 65 white people n John Brown’s raid of 1859—white abolitionist created small group of whites, free blacks and enslaved blacks. n All rebellions were suppressed, but showed strengths and determination of enslaved blacks.

+ Forms of Escape: The Underground Railroad n The Underground railroad—informal network of secret routes and safe houses used by 19 th century black slaves to escape to the North. n Harriet Tubman (escaped slave) played an important role. n Freed Slaves and white citizens took part in the URR.

+ Slavery in Literature: Uncle Tom’s Cabin n The publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin in (YEAR) exposed the reality of slave life to thousands of Americans in the North and the South. n The novel supported abolitionist sentiment and encouraged people to take a moral stance against the institution of slavery.

+ The Civil War & Reconstruction n Uncle Tom’s Cabin helped fuel sentiment that led to the Civil War. n History of the Civil War varies in the North and the South. n 1861 -1865: The Civil War revealed that Slavery was a major point of dispute between the North and the South. n 1863—Lincoln Emancipation Proclamation n 1865— 13 th Amendment to the Constitution freed all slaves. n 14 th and 15 th Amendments gave African American MEN full civil rights, including the right to vote. n Newly freed slaves faced many problems in the following period known as “Reconstruction”

+ Reconstruction n By 1870, newly freed slaves faced new legal, social and economic problems n Unskilled for jobs n Uneducated and illiterate n Housing and job discrimination n Inability to “fight” for legal rights n Life In the South during Reconstruction n Harder than life under slavery—violence, terrorism, persecution on daily basis. n Lynching, beatings, verbal and physical threats common toward African Americans. n Jim Crowe Laws—legalized segregation and distrimination in the South.

+ Political Cartoons about the Reconstruction Era

+ The Civil Rights Movement n The Civil Rights Movement of 1954 -1968 was directed towards ending segregation and racial discrimination of African Americans, particularly in the South. n Civil Rights Movement: n Led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. —sought to end segregation in the South, discrimination in the north and to the welfare of poor and disadvantaged people of all races. n Nonviolent protests and Civil Disobedience n Bus boycotts, marches, Freedom Riders, Sit-ins n These nonviolent protests were often met with great violence by local authorities.

+ Images of Non-Violent Protests

+ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. n Most famous for the “The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” (1963) in front of 200, 000 people. n First Speech by African American Leader to gain such interest by the media. n “I Have a Dream” Speech—deeply impacted the civil Rights Movement and government policies of the 1960 -1970’s n King’s concept of “All men are created equal” influential on American society. n King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 at age 34. n Assassinated April 4, 1968 at age 39. n The Black Power Movement of the 1970’s continued the gains made during the Civil Rights Movement.

+ Images of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

+ III. African American’s in Modern American Society Politics and Social Issues n Positive n n n Most represented minority group in political elections. High level of education compared to other minority groups. Highest level of congressional representatives of any minority group. Election of African American President 2008. Mr. Luther King, Jr, Day & Black History Month celebrated n Negative n n n Poverty remains an issue for many African Americans. Although education rates have improved among African Americans, still high school and college graduation rates remains below white students. Poor medical care and lower life expectancy than white Americans.

+ Media Coverage n Positive n African Americans are well known politicians, singers, actors, comedians and television personalities in the United States. Oprah, Whoopi Goldberg, Alica Keys, Barack Obama African American television networks and radio stations have become popular in the United States. African American sports figures are gaining popularity in the United States and abroad. n n Negative n n African Americans are often portrayed in a negative way through American pop culture. Stereotypes are often developed and upheld through violent movies, music and television programming that portray African Americans in a negative way.

+ Overall Message on African Americans in the United States: n African Americans have made great social, economic and political advancements since the end of slavery. n As a nation, America still faces the reality that African Americans still battle social, economic and political inequality. n Negative stereotypes about African Americans often deter from their achievements as individuals and a collective group.

+ n IV. A Case Study: New York City: Multiple Cultures (Immigration) n China Town, Little Italy, Korean Town n People from all social and economic backgrounds. n Hear different languages spoken all the time. n Cultural foods, festivals and celebrations everywhere. n New York City: Personal Teaching Experience (African & Hispanic Americans) n Taught English as a Second Language in the South Bronx for 3 years. n Taught Hispanic students and African students. n Only white employee at my school.

+ Discussion Questions n How do you receive information about African American culture today? n What are your perceptions of African Americans in American culture? n How do you think the achievements of President Obama will effect future generations of African Americans in the United States? n Did I teach you anything new about African Americans in today’s lecture?

+ Questions or Comments? n Please ask me any questions about today’s lecture topic, my personal background or any other question you might have. Contact Information n Danielle Marie Montagne n Email: n d. m. montagne@gmail. com Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions, assistance or guidance you need in any class.