The Great Migration Many African American weren't able to find good jobs due to segregation, and had no other choice than to be apart of the sharecropping system. This method of cropping often left many African Americans in dept. There was no economic advantages by sharecropping, and the south was a cruel place in regards to African Americans. Yes slavery had been abolished, and blacks were granted the right to be a citizens, but this didn't end racism. African Americans were free in the eyes of the law,but many whites saw them as inhuman, or were uneasy with them around. Jim Crow laws were developed to help whites feel more comfortable, but African Americans were completely disregarded. Once World War I began there was a shortage of industrial workers in the North, Midwest , and West. Many African Americans saw this as an amazing opportunity and started migrating. Even though segregation was illegal in the North ,there was still racism. Many African American weren't allowed to live in a white neighborhood so they began creating their own. One of the most memorable was Harlem in New York.
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The Harlem Renaissance |
Harlem is were African American culture was born freely. It included literature, art, and new and creative music that continually inspires many people to this day. After being seen as different for so long ,African Americans were finally able to express themselves in a way they wanted to be seen by the nation. Many seceded at this, and will be remembered forever for their hard work, and sense of pride in oneself.
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