Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, and playwright who was a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance. He was known for his works celebrating the African American culture, life and heritage, often using jazz and blues influences in his writing. Here’s a great post from the Radical Tea Towel! Read the Post >
Civil War and The Abolition of Slavery
Third in a series from AAHAWM honoring Black History Month
The Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was one of the most transformative events in American history. It was a defining moment in the country’s struggle with the issue of slavery and the rights of African Americans. The war was fought between the Union, made up of Northern states, and the Confederacy, made up of Southern states. The Confederacy seceded from the Union in order to preserve the institution of slavery, which was the main source of labor for their agricultural economy.
The abolition of slavery was a key issue that led to the outbreak of the Civil War. Abolitionists in the North had long been calling for an end to slavery, while Southerners saw it as a necessary part of their economy and way of life. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, who was an opponent of the expansion of slavery, was the final straw for the Southern states, and they seceded from the Union.
The Civil War was a brutal and devastating conflict, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. However, the Union ultimately emerged victorious, and in 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all slaves in the Confederacy to be free. This was a major turning point in the war and a significant step towards the abolition of slavery.
The 13th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1865, officially abolished slavery in the United States. It states that “neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
The abolition of slavery was a significant step towards achieving civil rights and equality for African Americans. However, the struggle for equality and justice for Black Americans did not end with the abolition of slavery. The Civil War and the abolition of slavery marked the beginning of a long and ongoing fight for civil rights and equality for Black Americans.
As we honor Black History Month, it is important to remember the sacrifices and struggles of those who fought for the abolition of slavery and the rights of African Americans. For further readings:
- “The Civil War and the End of Slavery” by the National Parks Service (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/civilwar/the-civil-war-and-the-end-of-slavery.htm)
- “Emancipation Proclamation” by the National Archives (https://www.archives.gov/historical-docs/emancipation-proclamation)
- “The 13th Amendment: Abolishing Slavery and Involuntary Servitude” by the National Constitution Center (https://constitutioncenter.org/learn/educational-resources/historical-documents/the-13th-amendment-abolishing-slavery-and-involuntary-servitude)
The Underground Railroad
Second in a series from AAHAWM honoring Black History Month
During the 19th century, a secret network of routes and safe houses existed in the United States to aid enslaved African Americans in their quest for freedom. Known as the Underground Railroad, it was not an actual railroad, but a metaphorical system of escape routes and safe houses.
The Underground Railroad was operated by a diverse group of individuals, including abolitionists, free Black people, and even some sympathetic white people. These individuals risked their own freedom and lives to assist enslaved people in their journey to freedom. Many safe houses were located in the Northern states where slavery was illegal, but there were also safe houses in border states and even in the South.
Escape was a difficult and dangerous journey. Enslaved people had to travel at night, often on foot, and avoid detection by slave catchers and patrols. Many were caught and returned to slavery, others died trying to escape.
Despite the risks, thousands were able to escape to freedom. Famous figures such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Still were key figures in the Underground Railroad and helped many enslaved people escape to freedom.
The Underground Railroad was a crucial aspect of American history and played a vital role in the abolition of slavery in the United States. It stands as a testament to the bravery and resilience of enslaved people, as well as the compassion and humanity of those who helped them escape to freedom.
In honor of Black History Month, let us remember the sacrifices and heroism of those who were a part of the Underground Railroad and continue to work towards a more just and equitable society for all.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade
First in a series from AAHAWM honoring Black History Month
Today, we remember the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and honor their legacy. We must continue to educate ourselves about this horrific chapter in our history so that we can better understand its lasting impact on our society today.
The transatlantic slave trade was a brutal period in history that lasted for several centuries, during which millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homes and transported across the Atlantic Ocean to be sold as slaves in North and South America. This system of exploitation and oppression had devastating consequences for African people, their families, and their communities.
The slave trade was driven by the need for labor on the growing number of plantations in the Americas, which was fueled by the rise of the transatlantic economy based on the cultivation of cash crops such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton. Slaves were captured in Africa, often through violent means, and then transported across the Atlantic in overcrowded and disease-ridden ships, known as the Middle Passage. Many enslaved Africans died before they even reached the Americas.
Once in the Americas, enslaved Africans were sold at auction and put to work on plantations, where they were treated as property and subjected to brutal conditions, including physical abuse, forced labor, and separation from their families. Despite this, enslaved Africans resisted slavery in various ways, including rebellion, running away, and preserving their culture and traditions through music and storytelling.
The slave trade had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of enslaved Africans and their descendants, as well as on the economies and societies of the Americas. Although the slave trade was eventually abolished in the 19th century, the legacy of slavery continues to shape the lives of African Americans today.
During Black History Month, we should take time to reflect on how far we have come since the those times and how much further we still need to go to achieve true equality for all people. It is important to acknowledge and remember the atrocities of the past in order to work towards a more just and equal future for all. #BlackHistoryMonth
References:
- “The Transatlantic Slave Trade” The History Channel: https://www.history.com/topics/african-history/transatlantic-slave-trade
- “Transatlantic Slave Trade” Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/topic/transatlantic-slave-trade
- “The Middle Passage” PBS: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1narr3.html
Links:
- “Slavery and the Making of America” PBS: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery/index.html
- “African American Odyssey” Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/african-american-odyssey/
Image courtesty of KuroNekoNiyah, from the Atlas of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Black Inventors
Black inventors have played a significant role in shaping our modern world through their innovative ideas and inventions. Despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities, these individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as science, technology, and medicine. The following is a list of notable black inventors and their inventions that have had a lasting impact on society.
(With thanks to Effe Shears for the picture)
Frederick Douglass Honors The Unknown Loyal Dead
A Film Co-Produced by Spiritual Concepts Publishing and D. E Evans Directed
Frederick Douglass Honors the Unknown Loyal Dead – Nominated for Best Short Film during the “2022 I Will Tell International Film Festival.