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Ida B. Wells lynching campaign
Ida B. Wells was a pioneering African American journalist and civil rights activist. She is best known for her anti-lynching campaign, using investigative journalism to expose racial violence. Wells was a founding member of the NAACP and also fought for women's suffrage. Her relentless advocacy and writings brought national attention to racial injustice and helped lay the foundation for future civil rights movements, making her a key figure in both the fight against racism and gender inequality. -
Why Sit here ad DIe
"Why Sit Here and Die?" is a 1832 speech by Maria W. Stewart, urging African Americans, especially women, to take action against slavery, racism, and oppression. Stewart calls for education, economic independence, and self-empowerment, challenging Black people to fight for their rights rather than passively accept suffering. It's one of the earliest calls for abolition and civil rights by a Black woman. -
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist and former enslaved woman who helped hundreds escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. She also worked as a spy and nurse during the Civil War. Known for her bravery and leadership, Tubman became a symbol of freedom and justice, dedicated to ending slavery and fighting for equality. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declared all enslaved people in Confederate states free. While it didn't immediately end slavery, it shifted the Civil War's focus to abolition and allowed African Americans to enlist in the Union Army. It laid the groundwork for the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the U.S. in 1865. -
Reconstruction
Reconstruction (1865-1877) was the period after the Civil War when the U.S. worked to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people. Key amendments (13th, 14th, 15th) abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and protected voting rights. Despite early gains, white supremacy, violence, and economic hardship undermined progress, and Reconstruction ended in 1877, leaving lasting challenges. -
Lincoln's Second Inaugural address
Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address (March 4, 1865) focused on reconciliation and healing as the Civil War neared its end. Lincoln urged unity, declaring "malice toward none, charity for all." He acknowledged the moral necessity of ending slavery and called for peace and reconstruction, emphasizing the need for a just and lasting settlement to heal the nation's divisions. -
Black Women
Black women abolitionists like Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Maria Stewart played a key role in the 19th-century fight for freedom. Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?" speech, Tubman’s work on the Underground Railroad, and Stewart’s writings challenged both slavery and gender oppression. Their activism laid the foundation for civil rights movements and the struggle for racial and gender equality. -
Sweat
"Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurston (1926) follows Delia Jones, a hardworking woman enduring abuse from her husband, Sykes. As she struggles with both physical and emotional mistreatment, the story explores themes of survival and empowerment. The climax, involving a snake, symbolizes Delia's strength and eventual triumph, showcasing Hurston’s portrayal of women’s resilience in the face of adversity. -
Matrin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and civil rights leader who championed nonviolent resistance in the 1950s and 1960s. He fought for racial equality and desegregation through peaceful protests. King is most famous for his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963, and his efforts helped lead to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, making him a key figure in America's racial justice movement. -
Brown v Board of education
Brown v. Board of Education (1954) was a landmark Supreme Court case that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The Court declared that "separate but equal" facilities were inherently unequal, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). This decision led to the desegregation of schools and was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement, marking a turning point in the fight for racial equality. -
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist who became a symbol of resistance to segregation. In 1955, she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama, leading to her arrest. This sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a key event in the Civil Rights Movement. Parks’ bravery helped inspire widespread activism for racial equality and justice. -
The Montgomery Bus Boycott
The Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956) began after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus. In response, African Americans, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., organized a year-long boycott of the bus system. The boycott ended with a Supreme Court ruling declaring bus segregation unconstitutional, marking a significant victory in the Civil Rights Movement. -
Bob Lee ( Black Panther)
Bob Lee was a key member of the Black Panther Party (BPP) during the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for Black empowerment and social justice. He helped combat police brutality, promoted Black self-defense, and addressed systemic inequality. Lee was integral in organizing community programs like free breakfast for children and health clinics. Though less recognized than figures like Huey Newton, his work was vital in advancing the BPP's mission for civil rights and equality for Black Americans. -
Letter to my Nephew
"A Letter to My Nephew" by James Baldwin (1962) is a personal letter addressing his young Black nephew. Baldwin offers advice on navigating racial injustice, urging resilience, pride, and self-awareness in the face of America's racism. He encourages his nephew to reject hate, embrace his identity, and stand firm against societal oppression while holding onto hope and dignity. It’s a powerful reflection on the Black experience. -
The march on washington
The March on Washington took place on August 28, 1963, with over 250,000 participants. It aimed to highlight racial inequality and demand jobs and freedom for African Americans. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, calling for racial justice and equality. The march helped lead to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. -
The Civil Rights act
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a groundbreaking law that banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It ended segregation in public places, schools, and workplaces and strengthened voting rights protections. The Act also established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to address workplace discrimination, marking a major victory for equality. -
Rainbow Coalition
The Rainbow Coalition, led by Fred Hampton of the Black Panther Party, was a groundbreaking alliance formed in the 1960s and 1970s. It united Black Panthers, poor white communities, and Latino activists to fight systemic racism, poverty, and police brutality. The coalition focused on common issues like healthcare and education, demonstrating the power of cross-racial solidarity. -
Between the world and me
"Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a letter to his teenage son, exploring the realities of being Black in America. The book reflects on racial injustice, systemic racism, and the vulnerability of Black bodies. Coates blends memoir and social commentary, urging his son to understand the world’s racial inequalities while embracing his identity. It’s a powerful reflection on race and identity in America.