African American History

by Ethan Cole
 
 

There are many shameful events that make up the history of a nation. Many countries have been built on the backs of the oppressed, and some political powers mature slower than others. African American history is inevitably tied to slavery, discrimination and persecution. It must also stand for courage, dignity and determination. Great art also comes from hard times.

The United Kingdom must also bow its head in shame, much of its wealth being accumulated because of the slave trade. It seems remarkable that this happened such a short time ago. Slavery was finally outlawed nationwide in the US, in 1865. This was long overdue and a case for rejoicing but it was not the end of problems in African American history. Racists were not changed overnight and there was a long road to march to freedom. In many ways, the road goes on.
 

Segregation in the South was vehemently exercised. Then one day, an ordinary woman did an extraordinary thing. Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man. This was breaking the law. It had been another long, hard day for Rosa and she couldn't take it any more. It wasn't a political decision, or a conscious call to revolution. It was how she felt. This was a landmark in African American history and led to the Montgomery bus strike.

Bit by bit, segregation was broken down. African Americans could, officially at least, sit at the front of the bus, go to the white man's college and drink from the same water fountain. Of course, not everyone agreed and discrimination still operated, sometimes right under the nose of the sherrif. Dr. Martin Luther King made his mighty speeches and fought the good fight, only to be cruelly shot down. African American history would be very different without him. He gave hope and inspiration to millions of people all over America, black, white and Hispanic, who wanted equality.

Eventually, the Civil Rights Bill was passed. The KKK was weakened. There is still disparity in career opportunities and housing. African Americans fought in two world wars in segretated units. They contributed to the fight against fascisim, when they had few rights at home. During the Vietnam War, the point was raised that it should not be part of African American history. After all, they were being sent to kill other men of color to give freedom to the South Vietnamese, when they were not given equality at home.

Despite all this, great art does come from hard times. African American history is not a negative thing. It sings out in Marvin Gaye and Muddy Waters and every work gang that laid a railway track. It sings out in Alice Walker and Toni Morrison.