History of African Americans - Research Paper Example

History of African AmericansQuestion 1 Jim Crow- What does this term mean and how did it affect the Southern Society, especially pertaining to African Americans after the Civil War till present day?Answer. Jim Crow Law was the name given to anti black laws in USA. These laws were discriminatory and racist in nature clearly defining white superiority over African Americans. It was basically a racial caste system followed in southern states after American civil war, till mid of 1960s. It was a complete social system based on injustice, inequality, prejudice, race and hate against African Americans.

The Jim Crow laws badly affected social, economic and moral fiber of African Americans society especially in southern states. The African Americans were treated inhumanly since they were not allowed to share churches, hospitals, buses, rail wagons, schools, housing and even burial places. American Government implemented these laws and Supreme Court supported the Government. Common beliefs spread by whites were that whites were made superior by God and African Americans are meant to serve them.

Till this day racism against African Americans has affected this community since African Americans are unable to compete with whites as a community, although exceptions are there.Question 2. Explain the difference between the Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) Supreme Court Case and verdict from the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, KS (1954) Supreme Court case and verdict?Answer. Plessy V.Furgoson decision by Supreme Court in May 1896 set the stage for legitimization of anti black laws in southern states like Louisiana.

The court supported the theme that “equal but separate” public facilities for African Americans and whites can be maintained within jurisdiction of states and racial segregation is not the violation of US constitution. Basis of case was traveling of African Americans and whites in the same wagons of railway. Implication of this decision has been a long term white-black segregation and more anti black legislations in USA. On the contrary US Supreme Court gave a decision in 1954 setting stage to eliminate anti black laws.

The court decided that state laws which allow separate public schools for African Americans and whites are unconstitutional. Both decisions of court were historic in nature where first decision helped to establish racism while the second helped to abolish racism.Question 3. Besides Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Malcolm X, identify and describe an African American who helped shape and push for civil liberties for the African American community before 1980 ?Answer. Besides Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Malcolm X, Grace Towns Hamilton was a great black leader who struggled tirelessly for civil liberties in America.

She was the first black woman elected to Georgia General Assembly1 (Georgiaencyclopedia.org 2004). She represented her district for 18 Years continuously in Atlanta. She was an African American woman born on 10th February 1907 and died in 1992. She was a psychology teacher and civil rights activist. She effectively campaigned for betterment of African American schools, hospitals, housing, and churches. She made a great struggle to win voting rights for African Americans. Between 1965 and 1985 she greatly struggled through Georgia Legislature for black rights and representation at state and country level.

Question 3. Identify and describe in detail one event after 1877 in African American history that had a profound effect on African Americans?Answer. In 1963 Martin Luther King was arrested for taking part in anti segregation protests. The same year, the black leader led the famous March on Washington for equal job and freedom rights for African Americans. The march was attended by approximately 300,000 people. Martin Luther King delivered his famous speech “I have a dream” during the march.

This event gave new life to Civil Rights Movement. Soon after that the black leader was killed. The events of 1963 had a profound effect on African American rights movement. It is considered that election of black President Obama is the result of vision given by Martin Luther king in his famous speech.BibliographyGeorgia Encyclopedia, Georgiaencyclopedia.org, “History and Archeology. Grace Towns Hamilton (1907-1992)” 2004, Accessed October 26, 2011. http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-742