The Great Depression and World War II Era (1925-1945)

The Great Depression, beginning in 1929, was a period of severe economic hardship that affected all Americans, but disproportionately impacted African-Americans

Unemployment was widespread, with many people struggling to find work and provide for their families. For African-Americans, this period was particularly challenging due to entrenched segregation and discrimination. The Jim Crow laws in the South enforced a “separate but equal” status that was far from equal, affecting every aspect of life from education to employment

African-Americans faced severe limitations on their voting rights through mechanisms like literacy tests and poll taxes, despite the 15th Amendment’s guarantee of voting rights

World War II brought significant changes. The war effort required the mobilization of all Americans, and African-Americans served in large numbers both in the military and in war-related industries. However, they still faced discrimination and segregation in the armed forces and employment

The Double V Campaign, calling for victory against fascism abroad and racial injustice at home, highlighted the contradictions in America’s democratic ideals and its treatment of African-Americans

Post-War Era and Civil Rights Movement (1945-1970)

The post-war period saw an economic boom that benefited many Americans, particularly whites. The GI Bill provided returning veterans with benefits such as low-cost mortgages and educational opportunities, although these benefits were often less accessible to African-American veterans due to ongoing discrimination

For African-Americans, this era was marked by the intensification of the Civil Rights Movement. Key events included:

The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965

These events and legislative changes aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination, marking significant progress in the struggle for equality. However, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 was a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and resistance to change

Late 20th Century (1970-1990)

This period saw continued efforts towards desegregation and the implementation of policies aimed at improving the socio-economic status of African-Americans, such as affirmative action. However, economic disparities persisted, with African-Americans facing higher unemployment rates and lower income levels compared to their white counterparts

The Vietnam War and the Cold War significantly impacted American society during this time. The anti-war movement, often intertwined with civil rights activism, highlighted the connections between foreign policy and domestic racial injustices

Recent History (1990-2025)

The past three decades have seen both progress and ongoing challenges for African-Americans:

Increased political representation, culminating in the election of Barack Obama as the first Black President in 2008

Persistent economic disparities, with African-American poverty rates remaining high

Continued issues of racial profiling and police brutality, leading to the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2013

The Black Lives Matter movement has been instrumental in raising awareness about systemic racism and has led to policy changes in areas such as policing.

Conclusion

If you had lived in America for the last 100 years, your experiences would have varied dramatically based on your race. For African-Americans, it would have been a journey from legalized segregation and widespread discrimination to significant legal and social progress, albeit with ongoing challenges. For white Americans, while also affected by major events like the Great Depression and various wars, the experience would generally have been one of greater privilege and opportunity, particularly in the earlier decades.

The story of America over the past century is one of struggle, progress, and ongoing efforts to live up to the nation’s ideals of equality and justice for all. While significant strides have been made, particularly in legal rights and representation, the persistence of economic disparities and systemic racism demonstrates that there is still work to be done to achieve true equality.

When democracy is being stolen by the elected president and a billionaire that bought him the election what are the tools of resistance that are nonviolent?

Things You Can and Need To Do

Nonviolent Tools of Resistance Against Democratic Erosion

When democracy is undermined by an elected leader and powerful financial backers, nonviolent resistance becomes a critical tool for citizens to reclaim their rights and protect democratic institutions. Research and historical evidence show that nonviolent methods are often more effective than violent ones in achieving lasting political and social change. Below are some key tools and strategies for nonviolent resistance:

1. Mass Mobilization and Protests

Organizing peaceful protests and demonstrations is one of the most visible and impactful ways to resist authoritarianism. Large-scale, sustained protests can draw attention to the erosion of democracy and pressure those in power to change course. For example, movements like the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. and the People Power Revolution in the Philippines successfully used mass mobilization to achieve democratic reforms.

2. Civil Disobedience

Civil disobedience involves deliberately breaking unjust laws or refusing to comply with government policies that undermine democracy. This can include actions like boycotting government programs, refusing to pay fines, or staging sit-ins. Such acts disrupt the normal functioning of an illegitimate regime and highlight its lack of moral authority.

3. Building Broad Coalitions

Uniting diverse groups—across political, social, and economic lines—creates a stronger resistance movement. Broad coalitions can amplify the voices of marginalized communities and demonstrate widespread opposition to anti-democratic actions. This approach is emphasized in the “Democracy Playbook,” which outlines strategies for strengthening democratic institutions and resisting illiberal forces [1].

4. Protecting Voting Rights

Efforts to protect and expand voting access are crucial in resisting democratic backsliding. This includes fighting voter suppression, ensuring fair elections, and educating citizens about their voting rights. Organizations like the ACLU have highlighted the importance of combating disenfranchisement and ensuring that elections remain free and fair.

5. Strategic Use of Media and Technology

Using social media, independent journalism, and other communication tools can help spread awareness, counter disinformation, and mobilize support. Activists can use these platforms to expose corruption, document abuses, and share stories of resistance. However, it is essential to verify information and avoid spreading misinformation, which can undermine the movement’s credibility.

6. Non-Cooperation with Illegitimate Authorities

Refusing to cooperate with leaders or institutions that undermine democracy can weaken their power. This can include strikes, boycotts, or resignations from government positions. Non-cooperation disrupts the functioning of an authoritarian regime and demonstrates widespread dissent.

7. Training and Preparation

Participating in nonviolent resistance training can equip activists with the skills and strategies needed to resist effectively. Democracy training programs prepare individuals to respond to undemocratic power grabs and organize collective action.

8. Supporting Independent Institutions

Strengthening and supporting independent institutions, such as the judiciary, media, and civil society organizations, is vital for resisting authoritarianism. These institutions act as checks on power and provide avenues for accountability [1].

9. Funding and Supporting Opposition Movements

Opposition movements often lack the resources to effectively challenge entrenched power. Providing financial and logistical support to these groups can help level the playing field and ensure they are prepared to advocate for democratic governance.

10. International Solidarity

Building alliances with international organizations, governments, and activists can bring global attention to the erosion of democracy and apply external pressure on authoritarian leaders. This can include sanctions, diplomatic efforts, or public campaigns to hold leaders accountable.

Why Nonviolence Works

Research by Harvard Professor Erica Chenoweth shows that nonviolent resistance is more likely to succeed than violent campaigns. Nonviolent movements are more inclusive, attract broader participation, and are less likely to provoke violent crackdowns that alienate the public.

By employing these tools, citizens can resist the erosion of democracy and work toward restoring a government that reflects the will of the people.

Resources

Get Your Phone Apps

Jerry LeClaire email list:
https://jerrysindivisible.substack.com

Bob Lloyd website
4comculture.com

Cynthia Hamilton’s local librarys discussion groups. Contact her for details. Bugsmind@comcast.net

Washington State Poor People’s Campaign
https://www.washingtonppc.org/

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

Stephen Marc

Biography

Stephen Marc is a Professor of Art in the Herberger Institute’s School of Art at Arizona State University, an ASU Evelyn Smith Endowed Professor of Art (2021-22), and a 2021 Guggenheim Fellow. Marc began teaching at ASU in 1998, following 20 years at Columbia College Chicago. He received his MFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University in Philadelphia, PA; and his BA from Pomona College in Claremont, CA.

Marc’s most recent book: American/True Colors (2020) addresses who we are as Americans in a polarized country with changing demographics, from an African American perspective. It was a 2021 IPPY Gold Medalist for best book in the Photography category. Marc’s three earlier books include: Urban Notions (1983), addressing the three Illinois communities where he had family ties; The Black Trans-Atlantic Experience: Street Life and Culture in Ghana, Jamaica, England, and the United States (1992); and Passage on the Underground Railroad (2009), digital composites that provide insight into the historic sites, and the institution of slavery. His Passage on the Underground Railroad is registered as Arizona’s first and only Interpretative Program of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom division of the National Park Service.

Artist Statement

As a documentary/street photographer and digital montage artist, my focus is on politically and culturally relevant gatherings, as part of my ongoing work that collectively addresses who we are as Americans. Since 2019, I have been creating a series of digital “street story montages” along with photographs of public space events and everyday life that explore what is proving to be pivotal time in this country’s history.

American identity is a cultural combination of reality, idealism and myth. How we shape our environment, define ourselves and recognize each other as Americans is culturally complex, socially charged, historically layered, and constantly in flux. As a photographer, I am interested in the photograph as an interpretative document; and as a digital montage artist, exploring the ways and reasons to combine photographs to extend the visual narrative, considering the constructive nature of memory as an informed witness.

This selection of work focuses on the African American community, where most of the photographs come from my recent book: American/True Colors.

https://art.asu.edu/student-and-faculty-work/stephen-marc?dept=160341&id=1

Our Stories Our Visions Continued

Black Lives Matter

In elementary school when your skin is dark and your nose is broad and your hair is kinky, your peers don’t think your life matters. So you find sanctuary in the library. No one beats you up, no one calls you names, you read. And you discover how much there is that you don’t know and you can find it in a book. A teaching career, a military career, an artist’s career, medical technical career, African history, philosophy, literature, world travels. Information made his life matter. Charles made his life matter.
Charles Henri Tuggle, 80

Information Made His Life Matter

Charles is part of Hunters Point Shipyard Artists in San Francisco California. Examples of his work are available here.
www.shipyardartists.com

A current exhibit of his work is available at the site of a group of 10 Black artists who are with Hunters Point Shipyard artists.
Black on Point
www.blackonpointsf.org/charles-tuggle

Two videos are available at his YouTube channel Charles H. Tuggle
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDk3f18Mvvb7x-6FszXping/featured

Black Lives Matter

In elementary school when your skin is dark and your nose is broad and your hair is kinky, your peers don’t think your life matters. So you find sanctuary in the library. No one beats you up, no one calls you names, you read. And you discover how much there is that you don’t know and you can find it in a book. A teaching career, a military career, an artist’s career, medical technical career, African history, philosophy, literature, world travels. Information made his life matter. Charles made his life matter.
Charles Henri Tuggle, 80

Information Made His Life Matter

Charles is part of Hunters Point Shipyard Artists in San Francisco California. Examples of his work are available here.
www.shipyardartists.com

A current exhibit of his work is available at the site of a group of 10 Black artists who are with Hunters Point Shipyard artists.
Black on Point
www.blackonpointsf.org/charles-tuggle

Two videos are available at his YouTube channel Charles H. Tuggle
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDk3f18Mvvb7x-6FszXping/featured

Life in Slavery

Charles Ball was born as a slave in the same county around 1781. He was about four years old, when his owner died. To settle the debts, his mother, several brothers and sisters and he himself were sold to different buyers. His first childhood memory recorded in the book is his being brutally separated from his mother by her buyer: “Young as I was, the horrors of that day sank deeply into my heart, and even at this time, though half a century has elapsed, the terrors of the scene return with painful vividness upon my memory.”^[3]

By way of inheritance, sale and even as a result of a lawsuit, he is passed on to various slaveholders. From January 1, 1798 to January 1, 1800 he is hired out to serve as a cook on the frigate USS Congress. In 1800, he marries Judah. In 1805, when his eldest son is 4 years old, he is sold to a South Carolinian cotton planter, thus separated from his wife and children who had to remain in Maryland.

In September 1806, he is given as a present to the newly wedded daughter of his owner and has to relocate to Georgia to a new plantation. Shortly afterwards, after the sudden death of the new husband, the new plantation, together with the slaves, including him, is rent out to yet another slaveholder, with whom he builds up a relationship of mutual trust. He becomes the headman on the new plantation, but suffers from the hatred of his master’s wife. In 1809, when his dying master is already too weak to interfere, he is cruelly whipped by that woman and her brother. After that, he plans his escape, which he puts into practice after his master’s death. Travelling by night to avoid the patrols, using the stars and his obviously excellent memory for orientation, suffering terribly from hunger and cold, not daring to speak to anybody, he returns to his wife and children in early 1810.

War of 1812 Chesapeake Flotilla service

Charles Ball also served in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812. In 1813, Ball had enlisted in Commodore Joshua Barney‘s Chesapeake Bay Flotilla and fought at the Battle of Bladensburg on August 24, 1814. An excerpt from his account of the battle, which was a resounding defeat for the Americans:

“I stood at my gun, until the Commodore was shot down, when he ordered us to retreat, as I was told by the officer who commanded our gun. If the militia regiments, that lay upon our right and left, could have been brought to charge the British, in close fight, as they crossed the bridge, we should have killed or taken the whole of them in a short time; but the militia ran like sheep chased by dogs.”^[4]

African ancestry

According to Ball’s autobiography, his grandfather was a man from a noble African family who was enslaved and brought to Calvert County, Maryland around 1730.

The 1837 edition dedicates three pages (Pages 22–24) to the description of his religion as the old man explained it to his young grandson. This description has some similarities with Islam, but there are also differences, so it is not clear, if his grandfather was Muslim or not. Other Africans whose religion Ball mentions, are explicitly called “Mohamedans” (p. 165).

The precepts of that religion are contained in a book a copy of which is kept in each house, implying that the grandfather’s African society had a high degree of literacy, whereas Charles Ball is illiterate. This may be worth mentioning because contemporary apologetics of slavery often claimed that Africans had been “civilized” by slavery.^[2]

Historical Document
Charles Ball’s narrative: Fifty Years in Chains
1836