Black Codes
Civil Rights Movement
Jim Crow Laws
Malcolm X
Martin Luther King Jr
African American People
Abolition Movement
Black Celebrations
Television, Film, & Stage Actors
Caribbean/Latin America
Civil War & Emancipation
Communities
Education
Great Migration
Harlem Renaissance
Inventors & Scientists
Lynching
Military/Soldiers
Music & Musicians
Pilots/Astronauts
Politics & Politicians
Reconstruction
Religion
Riots
Slavery
Slave Narratives
Sports/Athletes
Underground Railroad
Writers
Quizzes
After slavery, southerners created black codes, which were used to control and inhibit the freedom of ex-slaves. Black codes controlled almost all aspects of life and prohibited African Americans from the freedoms that had been won.
The Civil Rights Movement was one of the most important times in American history. Learn about the Civil Rights Movement events and people that changed America. From the bus boycotts and the sit-in protests to the people that led and inspired the movement.
Jim Crow laws were laws that imposed racial segregation, which were used to restrict the freedom of African Americans.
Malcolm X was a unique figure in the Civil Rights Movement whose early views were controversial, but it was the short time before his death that his potential to become a great leader was evident.
Martin Luther King Jr. was an influential leader who helped change racial relations in America. His message stirred a new conscious in the American public, which greatly influenced the outcome of the Civil Rights movement.
Learn about the African American people who have contributed to American history. Explore the accomplishments of entertainers, athletes, scientists, politicians, writers, and intellectuals.
The abolition movement provided a unique forum where African Americans and whites worked together to abolish slavery. Learn all about abolitionism and the abolitionists who fought to end slavery.
Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, and Black History Month have become important African American celebrations. Juneteenth has become a nationwide celebration of the emancipation of Texas slaves, Kwanzaa has emphasized important principles, and Black History Month has increased awareness of African Americans in history.
From the early beginnings of film, stage, and television, parts for African American actors were scarce. Those that were available were servant roles. Trace the history of the black presence in entertainment, and find out how roles have changed.
Like in the United States, blacks in the Caribbean and Latin American were slaves. In early history, life for them consisted of hard work, inhumane treatment, and later freedom. After freedom came, they forged their own destinies.
The Civil War was one of the most important times in American history. Shortly after it began, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which gave slaves their freedom. While its effects were not immediate, it led the country on the right moral path.
The exclusion of African Americans from mainstream American society, led to the creation of all black communities. They established their own churches, businesses, schools, and customs.
Prior to integration of schools, African Americans had little or no choice of where to send their children to school. As a result, in the late 19th and early 20th century many African American schools were established. This page has links to Web sites about African American schools.
In the early 20th century, in great numbers, African Americans moved from the rural south to the west and the north in search of greater economic, political, and social freedom.
Centered in Harlem in the 1920s, the Harlem Renaissance was a period in which African Americans created great literature and art. They wrote poetry, prose, plays, and novels. The literature ranged in subject, but race and racial identity was a common theme.
George Washington Carver, Benjamin Banneker, and Marjorie Stewart Joyner are just a few African Americans whose contributions to science and inventions have withstood time.
Prior to the Civil War lynching had occurred, but it was after the war that it became an intimidating force against African Americans. It was most often practiced in the South by the Ku Klux Klan, but mobs were also known to lynch its victims based on accusations of crimes against white people.
African Americans have been involved in all wars since the beginning of American military history. Even before equality was given at home, African Americans fought for their country in many wars.
African Americans have had a prominent role in breaking new ground in music. Read about the musicians who have made contributions to the world of music, from the early spirituals, to the sounds of classical, blues, jazz, and rock and roll music.
Resources and information about America’s black pilots and astronauts.
Find out about the experiences of African Americans in politics. Explore the ways they participated and the disenfranchisement they faced, from the days of slavery to the reconstruction era in the South to their experiences in the North.
Reconstruction was a time of adjustment and rebuilding for Southern states. During this period, African Americans could vote, obtain land, and participate in the political process. Despite the progress made, opponents would soon work to eliminate these gains.
Religion was often the only form of peace and comfort a slave had. It was part of every day life and not just practiced on Sunday. Some black churches were established during slavery while others sprouted up afterwards. After slavery ended its prevalence did not subside and religion continued to be a part of many lives.
Shortages in housing, lack of employment, and racial tensions have been prominent factors that have caused riots. Find out more on this page.
In early America, the need for cheap labor led to the capture and transportation of Africans to America. From thereafter, life for slaves proved to be difficult for the many generations to come. Explore the early African American experience.
After the war, many ex-slaves used narratives to tell their story. These narratives have served as useful tools in providing informative insight into their lives.
There have been many great African American athletes. Find out more about Arthur Ashe, Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson and many others who have contributed to American sports history.
The Underground Railroad was not actually a railroad, but was a network of people that helped slaves escape to the north and Canada. Those who assisted the fugitive slaves were mostly blacks but whites helped as well. Between 1810 and 1850 this was one of the most effective ways for a slave to escape.
Discover the African American writers who have created lasting works. Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, and many others.
Are you an expert? Find out how much you know about African American history. Test your knowledge of the arts, entertainment, civil rights, athletes, thinkers, educators, leaders, slavery, and abolitionists.