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"Why Sit Here and Die?" – Maria Stewart
Maria Stewart was one of the first Black women to give public speeches in the U.S. This speech was her way of encouraging Black people, especially women, to fight for their rights. She believed that education and self-respect were the keys to freedom. At a time when women were not expected to speak out, Stewart’s bravery made her an important early voice for both racial and gender equality. -
"What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" – Frederick Douglass
This speech by Frederick Douglass questions the meaning of Independence Day for enslaved Black Americans. While white Americans celebrated freedom, enslaved people were still suffering. Douglass called out the hypocrisy of a country that claimed to believe in equality while keeping millions of people in bondage. His speech became one of the most famous arguments against slavery and is still read today. -
The Abolition of Slavery (1865)
The 13th Amendment officially ended slavery in the U.S. This was a huge moment in American history, but it did not mean that Black Americans were truly free. Many white people, especially in the South, found new ways to keep Black people oppressed through unfair laws and violence. Even though slavery was abolished, the fight for racial justice was far from over. -
Excerpt from Southern Horrors: Lynch Laws in All Its Phases – Ida B. Wells
Ida B. Wells exposes the truth about lynching in America. She explains how lynching was not just about punishing criminals but was actually used to keep Black people from gaining power and success. Wells was one of the first people to gather data and write about these horrible acts, making people in the U.S. and around the world more aware of what was happening. Her work helped push the fight for civil rights forward. -
"Sweat" – Zora Neale Hurston
This short story follows Delia, a hardworking Black woman who is mistreated by her abusive husband, Sykes. Set in the rural South, it shows the struggles of Black women during this time and how they were often trapped in difficult situations. Hurston, a key writer of the Harlem Renaissance, used her stories to showcase Black culture and language. "Sweat" is a powerful example of a woman standing up for herself against oppression. -
"Letter to My Nephew" – James Baldwin
James Baldwin wrote this letter to his young nephew to help him understand racism in America. He wanted his nephew to be aware of the challenges he would face as a Black man but also to stay strong and hopeful. Baldwin explained that racism wasn’t Black people’s fault, it was something white society created. This letter is a powerful message about love, struggle, and the importance of knowing your history. -
"Zoot Suit Riots and Wartime Los Angeles" – National WWII Museum
Young Mexican American men in Los Angeles wore flashy outfits called "zoot suits" to express themselves. Many white people saw them as rebellious and disrespectful, and tensions grew between different racial groups. In 1943, U.S. servicemen attacked these young men in the streets, beating them and tearing off their clothes. These riots exposed racism in America and showed how minorities were treated unfairly, even when they were trying to express their culture. -
The Zoot Suit Riots (1943)
In Los Angeles, young Mexican American men known as "pachucos" wore stylish, oversized suits called "zoot suits." White servicemen saw this as unpatriotic and disrespectful, leading to violent attacks on these men. The U.S. government and media blamed the victims instead of the attackers, showing how racism was deeply ingrained in American society. These riots were a wake-up call about racial discrimination in the U.S. -
The Civil Rights Act
This law made it illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was one of the biggest victories of the Civil Rights Movement, which had been fighting against segregation and racial injustice for years. The law helped open doors for Black Americans, but discrimination did not just disappear overnight. It was an important step forward, but the fight for equality continued. -
"Rainbow Coalition"
The Rainbow Coalition was a group of different activist organizations working together to fight for racial and economic justice. It was started by the Black Panther Party but included Latino, white, and Indigenous groups as well. The coalition focused on helping poor communities, improving education, and fighting against police violence. It was one of the first movements to bring together people of different races to fight for the same cause. -
The Formation of the Rainbow Coalition
The Rainbow Coalition was started by the Black Panther Party to bring together different racial and ethnic groups fighting for justice. It included Latino, Indigenous, and poor white activists who all wanted better housing, jobs, and education. This coalition showed that the fight for civil rights was not just about one group, it was about all people who were oppressed. -
The Black Lives Matter Movement
Black Lives Matter (BLM) started after the killing of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teenager, by a white man who was not convicted. The movement grew as more cases of police violence against Black Americans came to light. BLM protests have helped bring attention to systemic racism, police brutality, and the need for justice. This movement continues to influence discussions about race and policy changes in the U.S. -
"A ‘Forgotten History’ of How the U.S. Government Segregated America" – Code Switch (NPR)
This article explains how the U.S. government helped create racial segregation in housing. It talks about redlining, a system where Black families were denied home loans and forced to live in poorer neighborhoods. These unfair housing policies kept Black Americans from building wealth, and their effects are still seen today. The article helps people understand that segregation wasn’t just a choice, it was built into the system by the government.