Category Archives: Black History

People Get Ready There’s a Train a Comin’

This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.

People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.
People stay ready, there’s a storm ahead,
You don’t need no ticket, just rise instead.
Justice is calling, hear the freedom bell,
We’re fighting for tomorrow, where all can dwell.
There’s no room for hatred, no place for fear,
The time is now, the path is clear.
Together we’re mighty, together we’re strong,
We’ll write the future, where we belong.
So rise up boldly, let the world take note,
Freedom’s the anthem, every voice a vote.
People stay ready, the time has come,
We’re building the future, for everyone.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.

CORE’s Rules for Direct Action

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CORE’s (Congress of Racial Equality) Rules for Direct Action became a model for nonviolent resistance worldwide. Their emphasis on preparation, discipline, and moral clarity ensured that their actions were both effective and ethically grounded. These principles continue to influence modern social movements, from environmental activism to racial justice campaigns. By combining strategic planning with cultural tools, CORE and similar organizations demonstrated the power of nonviolence in achieving systemic change.

CORE’S Rules for Direct Action full article CLICK HERE

History and Influence of CORE article CLICK HERE

History and Influence of CORE

Founded in 1942 by James Farmer and an interracial group of students in Chicago, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) pioneered the use of nonviolent direct action in America’s civil rights struggle.The Congress of Racial Equality’s (CORE) Rules for Direct Action had a profound impact on the advancement of social justice, particularly during the civil rights movement in the United States. These rules, rooted in nonviolent resistance, shaped the strategies and outcomes of social justice movements by providing a framework for challenging systemic oppression while maintaining moral authority. Below is an analysis of how these rules influenced social justice efforts.

1. Empowering Marginalized Communities

CORE’s rules emphasized nonviolent direct action as a way for marginalized communities to assert their rights and demand justice without resorting to violence. This approach:

  • Gave agency to oppressed groups: By training individuals in nonviolent tactics, CORE empowered ordinary people to participate in protests, sit-ins, and boycotts, making them active agents of change .
  • Built solidarity across racial lines: CORE’s interracial founding and commitment to equality demonstrated that social justice could be pursued collectively, transcending racial and cultural barriers.

For example, CORE’s early sit-ins in the 1940s and 1950s successfully desegregated restaurants and public facilities in northern cities, proving that nonviolent action could achieve tangible results.

2. Establishing Nonviolence as a Moral and Strategic Tool

CORE’s rules were inspired by Gandhian principles of nonviolence, which emphasized the moral high ground in the fight for justice. This approach had several key impacts:

  • Moral legitimacy: Nonviolence exposed the brutality of segregation and racism, particularly when peaceful protesters were met with violence. This shifted public opinion and garnered sympathy for the civil rights movement.
  • Strategic effectiveness: Nonviolent tactics like sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and boycotts disrupted systems of oppression without alienating potential allies. For example, the Freedom Rides of 1961, organized by CORE, challenged segregation in interstate travel and drew national attention to the injustices of Jim Crow laws .

By adhering to nonviolence, CORE and other civil rights organizations were able to frame their struggle as a fight for universal human rights, forcing the U.S. to confront its contradictions between democratic ideals and racial inequality.

3. Inspiring Broader Social Justice Movements

CORE’s rules and tactics became a blueprint for other social justice movements, both in the U.S. and globally:

  • Civil Rights Movement: CORE’s success in using nonviolent direct action inspired other organizations, such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), to adopt similar strategies .
  • Global Movements: The principles of nonviolence and direct action influenced anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, as well as other movements for racial and social justice worldwide.

4. Highlighting the Role of Leadership and Organization

CORE’s rules emphasized the importance of investigation, documentation, and negotiation before taking direct action. This structured approach ensured that protests were well-organized and focused on specific goals:

  • Leadership and training: CORE provided training in nonviolent resistance, preparing activists to remain disciplined even in the face of provocation .
  • Strategic planning: By thoroughly investigating issues and negotiating with authorities before resorting to direct action, CORE demonstrated that social justice efforts could be both principled and pragmatic.

However, as CORE’s influence waned in later years due to internal divisions and shifts in leadership, some critics noted that a lack of organization and functional leadership hindered its ability to sustain participation in social justice efforts.

5. Bridging the Gap Between Local and National Movements

CORE’s decentralized structure allowed local chapters to address specific issues in their communities while contributing to the broader civil rights movement:

  • Local impact: CORE chapters in places like Mississippi played a critical role in desegregating public facilities and registering Black voters during the 1960s .
  • National influence: CORE’s actions, such as the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington, brought national attention to the fight for racial equality and pressured policymakers to enact civil rights legislation.

This dual focus on local and national action demonstrated how grassroots organizing could drive systemic change.

6. Challenges and Limitations

While CORE’s rules for action had a significant impact on social justice, they also faced challenges:

  • Internal divisions: As CORE’s leadership shifted in the late 1960s, the organization moved away from its nonviolent roots and adopted more conservative positions, leading to a decline in its influence .
  • Resistance to nonviolence: Some activists, frustrated by the slow pace of change, questioned the effectiveness of nonviolence and turned to more militant approaches. This tension highlighted the limits of CORE’s strategy in addressing systemic racism .

7. Cultural and Symbolic Impact

CORE’s rules for action also shaped the cultural dimensions of social justice movements:

  • Symbols of resistance: CORE’s use of sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and other forms of civil disobedience became iconic symbols of the civil rights struggle .
  • Music and art: CORE and other organizations used songs like “We Shall Overcome” to unite activists and convey the moral urgency of their cause.
  • Media influence: By adhering to nonviolence, CORE ensured that images of peaceful protesters being attacked by police or mobs would resonate with the public and expose the brutality of segregation .

Conclusion

CORE’s Rules for Direct Action had a transformative impact on social justice by providing a disciplined, nonviolent framework for challenging systemic oppression. These rules empowered marginalized communities, established nonviolence as a powerful tool for change, and inspired movements worldwide. While CORE faced challenges in sustaining its influence, its legacy continues to shape the strategies and principles of modern social justice efforts.

CORE’S Rules for Direct Action full article CLICK HERE

BLACKS VS WHITES 1925 to 2025

The Good Old Days! What the F@%#! are the MAGA folks thinking? Make America Great Again?

The phrase “the good old days” typically refers to a nostalgic longing for a past time that individuals perceive as better or simpler than the present. However, the meaning and implications of this phrase can vary significantly depending on the context and the speaker’s perspective: personal memories, cultural context, privilege and exclusion, selective memory, dissatisfaction with modernity. The Good Old Days

timeline: the Last 100 Years

To compare the last century, let’s break this down into key categories: cost of living, wages, population, culture (movies, slang, toys, hairstyles, clothing), and the experiences of marginalized groups highlighting changes over time and providing context for marginalized communities where relevant.

1. Cost of Living and Housing

  • 1925: The average cost of a home in the U.S. was around $6,000. Rent was about $20–$60 per month, depending on location. The cost of living was significantly lower, but wages were also much smaller [1].
  • 2025: The median home price in the U.S. is now over $400,000, with rent averaging $1,700 per month. Housing costs have skyrocketed, making homeownership increasingly difficult for younger generations.

Marginalized Communities:

In 1925, Black Americans and other marginalized groups faced systemic barriers to homeownership due to redlining and discriminatory lending practices. These inequities persist today, with racial wealth gaps making it harder for marginalized groups to afford homes.

2. Minimum Wage and Wages

  • 1925: There was no federal minimum wage in the U.S. until 1938, when it was set at $0.25/hour. Many workers, especially women and minorities, earned far less in informal or agricultural jobs.
  • 2025: The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour, though many states have higher rates. However, adjusted for inflation, wages have stagnated since the 1970s, meaning purchasing power has barely increased.

Marginalized Communities:

Historically, women, immigrants, and Black workers were often excluded from wage protections. Today, these groups are still overrepresented in low-wage industries, such as service and caregiving jobs, where wage growth has been slow.

3. World Population

  • 1925: The global population was approximately 2 billion.
  • 2025: The world population is now over 8 billion, with significant growth in Asia and Africa.

Marginalized Communities:

Population growth has brought challenges like resource scarcity and climate change, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities in developing nations.

4. Movies and Entertainment

  • 1925: Silent films dominated, with stars like Charlie Chaplin and Clara Bow. A movie ticket cost $0.25–$0.50. Popular films included The Gold Rush (1925).
  • 2025: Movie tickets now average $10–$15. Streaming services dominate entertainment, but blockbuster films like Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) still draw crowds.

Marginalized Communities:

In 1925, Hollywood largely excluded Black actors and other minorities, relegating them to stereotypical roles. Today, representation has improved, but disparities remain in opportunities and pay.

5. Toys and Games

  • 1925: Popular toys included teddy bears, yo-yos, and tin soldiers. These were simple and often handmade.
  • 2025: Toys are now high-tech, with video games, drones, and AI-powered gadgets dominating the market.

Marginalized Communities:

In the 1920s, toys often reflected societal norms, with few options representing diverse cultures. Today, there’s a growing push for inclusive toys, such as dolls with different skin tones and abilities.

6. Slang Terms

  • 1925: Popular slang included terms like “bee’s knees” (something great) and “cat’s pajamas” (something stylish).
  • 2025: Modern slang is heavily influenced by internet culture, with terms like “slay” (to succeed) and “vibe” (a mood or feeling).

Marginalized Communities:

Slang has often originated in marginalized communities, particularly Black and LGBTQ+ cultures, before being adopted by mainstream society.

7. Hairstyles and Clothing

  • 1925: Women embraced the bob haircut and flapper dresses, symbolizing liberation. Men wore tailored suits and hats.
  • 2025: Hairstyles are diverse, with natural hair movements celebrating Black hair textures. Clothing trends are casual, with athleisure dominating.

Marginalized Communities:

In the 1920s, Black women faced pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. Today, natural hair movements challenge these norms, promoting acceptance of diverse styles.

8. Marginalized Communities: Then and Now

  • 1925: Segregation, lack of voting rights, and systemic discrimination defined the experiences of many marginalized groups. Women had just gained the right to vote in 1920, but opportunities were limited.
  • 2025: While progress has been made, systemic inequities persist. Wage gaps, housing discrimination, and underrepresentation in media and politics continue to affect marginalized groups.

Black and White

Population Trends Over the Last 100 Years

  1. Early 20th Century (1920s-1950s):
  • In the early 20th century, the U.S. population was overwhelmingly white, with white Americans making up approximately 90% of the population. Immigration policies, such as the Immigration Act of 1924, heavily restricted non-European immigration, reinforcing this demographic dominance.
  • People of color, including African Americans, Native Americans, and smaller populations of Asian and Hispanic Americans, made up a much smaller percentage of the population.
  1. Mid-20th Century (1960s-1980s):
  • The Civil Rights Movement and changes in immigration laws, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, began to reshape the racial makeup of the U.S. population.
  • The African American population grew steadily, while immigration from Latin America and Asia increased significantly, diversifying the population further.
  1. Late 20th Century (1990s-2000s):
  • By the 1990s, the percentage of white Americans began to decline as immigration surged and birth rates among people of color outpaced those of white Americans.
  • The Hispanic/Latino population, in particular, grew rapidly, becoming the largest minority group in the U.S.

Current Trends and Projections

  1. Current Demographics:
  • As of the 2020 Census, non-Hispanic white Americans made up about 57.8% of the population, a significant decline from the 1960s when they accounted for over 85% [1].
  • People of color, including Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian, and multiracial individuals, now make up a growing share of the population. For example, children of color became the majority of U.S. youth by 2020 [2].
  1. Future Projections:
  • The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2045, non-Hispanic white Americans will fall below 50% of the total population, making the U.S. a “majority-minority” nation[3].
  • This shift is driven by higher birth rates among people of color and the aging of the white population. Generation Z is expected to be the last generation with a white majority, while Generation Alpha (born after 2010) will grow up in a majority-minority society [3].

Key Factors Driving These Changes

Immigration from Latin America, Asia, and Africa has been a major driver of population growth among people of color since the mid-20th century. Birth rates among Hispanic and Black populations have historically been higher than those of white Americans, contributing to the demographic shift. The white population is aging rapidly, with lower birth rates and higher mortality rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

The strongman leaders, oligarchs and White Christian nationalists have declared war on Blacks. The only way we will survive is to build coalitions. What are your thoughts on the demographics above?

Over the last century, the U.S. has transitioned from a predominantly white nation to one of increasing racial and ethnic diversity. This trend is expected to continue, with people of color projected to outnumber white Americans by 2045. The only way Black people will survive is to build a broad coalition with people of color, lower economic communities and the internationally disenfranchised.

Obama Speech July 13, 2012 in Roanoke Virginia

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From an ABC News blog post By Jake Tapper July 16, 2012

We’ve already made a trillion dollars’ worth of cuts.  We can make some more cuts in programs that don’t work, and make government work more efficiently…We can make another trillion or trillion-two, and what we then do is ask for the wealthy to pay a little bit more …
There are a lot of wealthy, successful Americans who agree with me, because they want to give something back.  They know they didn’t -look, if you’ve been successful, you didn’t get there on your own.  You didn’t get there on your own.  I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart.  There are a lot of smart people out there.  It must be because I worked harder than everybody else.  Let me tell you something – there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there.

If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help.  There was a great teacher somewhere in your life.  Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive.  Somebody invested in roads and bridges.  If you’ve got a business. you didn’t build that.  Somebody else made that happen.  The Internet didn’t get invented on its own.  Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.
The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together.  There are some things, just like fighting fires, we don’t do on our own.  I mean, imagine if everybody had their own fire service.  That would be a hard way to organize fighting fires.
So we say to ourselves, ever since the founding of this country, you know what, there are some things we do better together.  That’s how we funded the GI Bill.  That’s how we created the middle class.  That’s how we built the Golden Gate Bridge or the Hoover Dam.  That’s how we invented the Internet.  That’s how we sent a man to the moon.  We rise or fall together as one nation and as one people, and that’s the reason I’m running for president – because I still believe in that idea.  You’re not on your own, we’re in this together.”

Music Making Social Changes

Over the last hundred years, music has played a pivotal role in inspiring and motivating social change. From labor movements to civil rights, anti-war protests to environmental activism, songs have served as powerful tools for communication, mobilization, and solidarity. Let’s explore some of the most influential songs and artists that have shaped social movements across different eras.

1920s-1950s: Labor Movements and Early Civil Rights

During this period, protest music primarily focused on labor rights and the emerging civil rights movement.

  1. “Which Side Are You On” by Florence Reece (1931)
    This song emerged during the Harlan County War, a series of coal miner strikes in Kentucky. Written by Florence Reece, the wife of a union organizer, it became an anthem for the labor movement and was widely covered by artists like Pete Seeger [1].
  2. “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday (1939)
    Originally a poem by Abel Meeropol, this haunting song protested the lynching of African Americans and became a powerful anthem for the civil rights movement. Its impact was significant in raising awareness about racial violence and injustice in America [2]. Billie Holiday’s emotional delivery made it one of the most significant protest songs of the era [3].
  3. “Ol’ Man River” by Paul Robeson (1927)
    Originally written for the Broadway musical “Show Boat,” this song was transformed by Paul Robeson into a powerful statement on racial injustice. Robeson altered the lyrics to reflect the struggles of black Americans, making it a civil rights anthem [4].

1960s-1970s: Counterculture and Civil Rights Movements

The 1960s and 1970s saw an explosion of protest music, addressing issues from civil rights to the Vietnam War.

  1. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan (1962)
    This song became synonymous with the civil rights movement, asking poignant questions about peace and freedom. It was adopted by various social movements, highlighting its versatility and enduring appeal [5].
  2. “We Shall Overcome”
    This song became the unofficial anthem of the civil rights movement. It was sung at protests and rallies, providing hope and unity among activists. Martin Luther King Jr. noted its power in inspiring courage and a sense of community [6].
  3. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye (1971)
    This song addressed issues of war, poverty, and racial injustice, becoming a timeless call for social change and reflection [7].
  4. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin (1967)
    Originally written by Otis Redding, Franklin’s version became a powerful anthem for both the feminist and civil rights movements, demanding respect and equality.
  5. “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)
    This song became an anthem of the anti-Vietnam War movement, critiquing the disparity between those who were drafted and those who were not.

Civil Rights March on Washington
The 1960s was a fertile era for the genre, especially with the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, the ascendency of counterculture groups such as “hippies” and the New Left, and the escalation of the …

1980s-2000s: Anti-Apartheid and Social Justice Movements

This era saw a focus on global issues, particularly the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

  1. “Free Nelson Mandela” by The Special A.K.A. (1984)
    This song became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement, calling for the release of Nelson Mandela and drawing global attention to the injustices of apartheid in South Africa [8].
  2. “Biko” by Peter Gabriel (1980)
    This song is a tribute to Steve Biko, an anti-apartheid activist who died in police custody. Gabriel’s song brought international attention to the apartheid regime’s brutality and became a rallying cry for the movement.
  3. “Sun City” by Artists United Against Apartheid (1985)
    This collaborative protest song, featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bono, was part of a campaign against apartheid in South Africa. It raised awareness and funds, contributing to the global anti-apartheid movement.
  4. “Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil (1987)
    This song by the Australian band Midnight Oil highlighted the need for land rights and justice for Indigenous Australians. It became a powerful anthem for environmental and social justice, calling for action to return land to its rightful owners [9].

2000s-2020s: Contemporary Social Activism

In recent years, protest music has addressed issues such as racial justice, climate change, and other social movements.

  1. “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar (2015)
    Adopted by the Black Lives Matter movement, this song became an anthem of hope and resilience in the face of racial injustice. Its impact is seen in its widespread use during protests and demonstrations.
  2. “This Is America” by Childish Gambino (2018)
    The song and its accompanying video critique gun violence and racism in America. It became a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions about the contradictions of Black life in the U.S. [10].
  3. “The Bigger Picture” by Lil Baby (2020)
    Released shortly after the killing of George Floyd, this song became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. Lil Baby’s lyrics address systemic racism and police brutality, resonating with the widespread protests that followed Floyd’s death [11].
  4. “The 1975” by The 1975 featuring Greta Thunberg (2020)
    This track features a spoken word piece by climate activist Greta Thunberg, calling for immediate action against climate change and critiquing the status quo [12].

Throughout the last hundred years, these songs and artists have not only reflected the social and political climate of their times but have also inspired and motivated change. They have provided a voice for the marginalized, united diverse groups under common causes, and continue to resonate with new generations, demonstrating the enduring power of music as a tool for social change.

Timeline of the Black Experience

Starting from the earliest known history and progressing through the modern era this timeline includes significant milestones, historical context, and important figures. It demonstrates the resilience and contributions of Black individuals and communities throughout history, as well as the persistent impact of systemic racism and the continued fight for civil rights.

### Pre-Colonial Africa (Before 1619)

– **3000 BC – 1500 AD**: Ancient African civilizations flourished during this period, showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of the African continent [[1]]

  – **Ancient Egypt (c. 3000 BC – 30 BC)**: One of the world’s earliest and most advanced civilizations, known for its monumental architecture, including the pyramids.

  – **Kingdom of Nubia (c. 2000 BC – 350 AD)**: Located south of Egypt, known for its rich gold deposits and powerful kingdoms like Kerma and Kush.

  – **Kingdom of Aksum (c. 100 AD – 940 AD)**: A major trading empire in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, one of the first African kingdoms to adopt Christianity [[2]]

  – **Empire of Ghana (c. 6th – 13th centuries)**: Flourished in West Africa, controlling trans-Saharan trade routes in gold and salt.

  – **Empire of Mali (c. 13th – 16th centuries)**: Rose to prominence under Sundiata Keita, reached its peak under Mansa Musa, known for its wealth and Islamic learning centers.

  – **Empire of Songhai (15th – 16th centuries)**: Succeeded the Mali Empire, known for its administrative sophistication and military prowess.

  – **Great Zimbabwe (11th – 15th centuries)**: Thrived in southeastern Africa, renowned for its impressive stone structures [[3]]

  – **Swahili City-States (10th century onwards)**: Developed along the East African coast, serving as cosmopolitan centers of trade [[4]].

### The Beginning of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (15th – 19th centuries)

– **Late 15th century**: Portuguese initiate the transatlantic slave trade, initially transporting Africans to work on sugar plantations in Cape Verde and Madeira islands [[5]].

– **16th century**: Spanish and Portuguese establish colonies in the New World, increasingly turning to Africa for labor as Indigenous populations decline [[6]].

– **17th – 19th centuries**: The transatlantic slave trade reaches its peak, with an estimated 10-12 million Africans forcibly transported to the Americas [[7]].

### Colonial America and Early United States (1619 – 1865)

– **1619**: Arrival of the first recorded Africans in English North America at Point Comfort, Virginia [[8]].

– **Mid-17th century**: Establishment of lifelong slavery and hereditary servitude in Virginia and other colonies [[9]].

– **1705**: Virginia Slave Codes codify the dehumanizing nature of slavery [[10]].

– **1739**: Stono Rebellion, the largest slave uprising in the colonial period [[11]].

– **Late 18th – early 19th centuries**: Rise of the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad [[12]].

– **1861 – 1865**: American Civil War fought over the issue of slavery.

### Emancipation and Reconstruction (1865 – 1877)

– **1865**: Ratification of the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery [[13]].

– **1865 – 1877**: Reconstruction Era, aimed at rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved African Americans into society [[13]].

– **1868**: Ratification of the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.

– **1870**: Ratification of the 15th Amendment, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on race.

### Jim Crow Era and Early 20th Century (1877 – 1950s)

– **Late 19th century – 1965**: Implementation of Jim Crow laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States [[14]].

– **1896**: Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision upholds “separate but equal” doctrine [[15]].

– **1909**: Founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

– **1914 – 1918**: World War I, with approximately 370,000 African Americans serving in the U.S. military [[16]].

– **1920s – 1930s**: Harlem Renaissance, a flowering of African American cultural, literary, and artistic expression.

– **1939 – 1945**: World War II, with over one million African Americans serving in various branches of the U.S. armed forces [[17]] [[18]].

### Civil Rights Movement and Beyond (1950s – Present)

– **1954**: Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision overturns Plessy v. Ferguson, declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

– **1955 – 1956**: Montgomery Bus Boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks [[19]].

– **1963**: March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech [[20]].

– **1965**: Voting Rights Act passed, aimed at overcoming legal barriers preventing African Americans from exercising their right to vote [[21]] [[22]].

– **1964**: Civil Rights Act passed, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin [[21]].

– **1968**: Fair Housing Act passed, prohibiting discrimination in housing [[21]].

### Presidential Administrations and Their Impact on Black Americans

– **Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933 – 1945)**: New Deal programs often reinforced racial inequalities, but also provided some economic relief [[23]]() [[24]].

– **Harry Truman (1945 – 1953)**: Desegregated the armed forces and advocated for anti-lynching laws [[25]].

– **John F. Kennedy (1961 – 1963)**: Initially hesitant on civil rights but eventually supported the movement, leading to the introduction of a comprehensive civil rights bill [[26]].

– **Lyndon B. Johnson (1963 – 1969)**: Aggressively pursued civil rights legislation, resulting in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 [[25]].

– **Jimmy Carter (1977 – 1981)**: Supported affirmative action and appointed a significant number of Black Americans to federal positions.

– **Ronald Reagan (1981 – 1989)**: Marked by a rollback of civil rights policies and opposition to affirmative action.

– **Bill Clinton (1993 – 2001)**: Implemented the 1994 Crime Bill, which contributed to mass incarceration, disproportionately affecting Black Americans.

– **Barack Obama (2009 – 2017)**: First African American president, implemented the Affordable Care Act and advocated for criminal justice reform.

– **Donald Trump (2017 – 2021)**: Presidency marked by rhetoric and policies perceived as hostile to Black Americans.

– **Joe Biden (2021 – Present)**: Signaled a commitment to racial equity, including executive actions on racial justice and proposals for police reform [[23]].

### Cold War and Vietnam Era

– **1950s – 1980s**: Cold War period saw African Americans facing a dual struggle for civil rights at home while being part of the global ideological battle against communism [[27]].

– **1955 – 1975**: Vietnam War era, with African American soldiers playing a crucial role despite facing systemic racism [[28]]. The anti-war movement became intertwined with the civil rights struggle [[29]].

### Modern Challenges and Movements

– **1980s – Present**: Mass incarceration disproportionately affects Black communities, with Black adults imprisoned at five times the rate of white adults as of 2020 [[30]].

– **2013 – Present**: Black Lives Matter movement emerges, focusing on police brutality and racial justice [[31]].

100 Years of American History in Black and White

American history over the past 100 years has been a complex tapestry of progress, challenges, and social change, with significantly different experiences for African-Americans and whites. To understand this history and the diverse experiences within it, we need to examine key periods and events that have shaped the nation.

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.

Breaking Bread: An Exhibition and Talk

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This talk and exhibition was presented to the Spokane South Hill Rotary Club during Black History Month 2025.

Part 1

The pictures are illustrations of crucifixions. Historically Black men have been crucified. It may have been dying stacked in slave ships, it may have been hanging from a tree during slavery, it may have been jailing after Reconstruction, it may have been in the media, it may have been psychological. The talk that went with these images was about my personal psychological crucifixions.

Part 2

Women have been crucified through time also, be it body shaming, be it cultural taboos, be it cultural appropriation, be it political correctness.

Part 3

When your dad gives you millions of dollars you think that they are toys for you to play with. Because you’re rich you think you have access to women that you can fondle, sexually abuse and dominate. You think you can trample on the American flag and on democracy. You’ve been a thug all of your life. Any Black person who did any of these things would have ended up in prison garb.

Why Black Art for Your Home

Why Black Art for Your Home

By Robert Lloyd

The importance of African Americans displaying art by and about their culture in their homes is paramount for providing identity to their children, as well as educating them on the history and heritage of the African diaspora. Hanging artwork that reflects a positive image of blackness can help foster self-esteem in children who may otherwise feel disconnected from or misrepresented by mainstream media. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for parents to teach lessons about resilience, pride and perseverance in times when many communities are facing adversity due to systemic racism.

For generations prior to us, our ancestors have been denied access into museums or galleries where they could learn more about our cultural roots; however today we have access through technology which has opened up new avenues for exploration without leaving home. By hanging artwork that celebrates various aspects of black life such as music, dance and fashion within one’s own home gives families a chance explore these topics together while also instilling values like respect for diversity within younger generations. Furthermore this helps create conversations around race relations with family members who might not understand why certain issues are important but can be exposed through visual representation.

In conclusion, hanging artworks created by African American artists on walls at home allows individuals from all backgrounds including those from minority groups, to gain insight into what makes up a unique culture. It serves both educational purposes – teaching people how different cultures interact-and personal ones – helping build self esteem among young people whose identities may be underrepresented elsewhere. Through this practice we will continue celebrating Black excellence while inspiring others towards greatness regardless of skin color.