African Americans

An African-American Essay

Before the Civil War , Africans in America perceive freedom as the ability to follow their traditions , beliefs , and customs that were stripped away from them the moment they stepped inside the U .S continent . During those times , even their names were taken away from them . They are not allowed to speak their language or to practice anything un-American . All of them unconsciously underwent the process to de-Africanize , which can rather be brutal . Therefore the freedom to be who they really are , was immediately lost

Come the Pre-Civil War

area , the way African-Americans view freedom slightly changed . They have been slaves of their masters all their lives . They do not own anything , not even their own self . Instead , they are sold , transferred , or are given away by their masters anytime they so wishes . At this point in time , African-Americans regard freedom as the ability to live a life of their own , to own a property , and to take control of their very existence . Slavery is something most of them would like to break out of

After the Civil War , which is the war that is supposed to have ended slavery , African-Americans was presented a different battle to face Majority of the white race do not agree to the idea of freeing the blacks . So in their desire to retaliate the effects of the Civil War terrorism against the blacks became widespread . The view of freedom again , had changed . It had become to be the need to live peacefully and harmoniously with the white race

And it has been that way since . Although laws and policies were made to protect the blacks , specifically the Thirteenth Amendment to the U .S Constitution , racial discrimination was prevalent . Segregation had been an issue in schools , in public places , and in the society in general

It was during those times that the African-Americans began to strive , to unite , and to stand up for their rights , as they have done so quite successfully so far . African-Americans , through the course of history had fruitfully achieved a change in their status . They were once slaves who do not even have a name . But they were able to break free from slavery 's clutches and had become liberated . As they have transcended to become citizens , they are faced with a different challenge - a challenge to seek equality with the predominant white race . Although this is a paramount task , slowly , but effectively , African-Americans were able to attain the sweet equality they are all fighting for . They started with small protests and movements . Then they took it to the courts and acquired judicial support . They had effectively attained social recognition with the help of great black leaders such as Martin Luther King , Roy Wilkins , Sr , and Whitney Young , among others

It is therefore important to look back and study African-American history because it has been a triumphant showcase of what unity perseverance , and courage can bring about . The African-American history is a story of achievement , not just of a...