Black Experience in America
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In the antebellum period, the United States of America’s economy, especially in the south, was on the verge of a great rise. The core reason was the slaves were offering the increased utilization of cheap labor in the entire country. During this era, slavery existed in different categories ranging from the agricultural sector, industries, homes, and towns, with most Africans being Africans.
Various groups believed slavery should have been abolished, while others resisted the idea of doing away with them. These undivided opinions led to scuffles between the south and other parts of America as it was believed to be a major breach of human rights. One of the strategies that were used by the blacks and supporters of the Abolitionist was comprised by the following; they managed to bring everyone who shared the same view as theirs of the abolishment of slavery on board to form one body which will enable them to fight together and express their views and agenda as one.
Through their movement, they educated the general public about the ills of slavery and its impacts on the slaves’ livelihood. They were not deterred by anything and further proceeded to start lobbying for political seats. Secondly, they turned an abandoned underground railway road into their home. Here all the slaves who have escaped from their masters would seek refuge and company from their peers who shared the same problems. The abolitionists’ third method spread their message through the “William Lloyd Garrison’s The Liberator newspaper.”
This paper spread passionate attacks on the government’s lack of action in expediting the abolishment of slavery in America. The publications and journals used to feature in the newspaper entailed anti-slavery poems, articles, and essays. The abolitionist’s movement further again considered the coming growing young generation into carrying on with the mantle to fight for the slavers’ rights. This was done by creating learning literature that these children could be entitled to or made available to read and understand what might have sounded strange to them. The last method that dome of them employed while trying to champion for their plights to be heard was through conflicts and chaos. These created a lot of unrest and disorder, which led to many arrests and deaths among the protestants.
Douglass’s speech about the Fourth of July challenged American independence at a greater length. This is because, on that date, there were celebrations nationwide in remembrance of their freedom day. From his speech, he asked a question that needed clarification of the importance of the day to the Slaves who had worked tirelessly to help shape America when they are still not free and have no equal rights of freedom of speech, voting, and better basic needs enjoyed by other Americans. This speech led to the timely improvement of American democracy, where blacks could now participate in electing their leaders. If given a chance to ask Douglass’s three questions, they would include the following;
- What motivated him to give such a stunning speech
- What vision did he have on the impacts that such a speech can lead to?
- If he was given a chance to bring about change, what could be his prioritized strategies to do so?
Reference:
https://youtu.be/PaheapeFpQw
https://youtu.be/2yZD3eA2buw