Final Project: You May Write A Paper ✓ Solved

Final Project For your Final Project, you may write a paper or

For your Final Project, you may write a paper or create a PowerPoint presentation. If you choose to write a paper, it must be four to five pages in length, plus a title page and reference list, formatted according to APA style. If you choose to create a PowerPoint project, it must be 12 to 15 slides, plus a title slide and a reference slide, formatted according to APA style. Be sure to save your presentation as a PDF before submitting it. Whether you choose to write a paper or create a PowerPoint presentation, you must properly cite your sources according to APA style.

To complete this project, choose from one of the topics below and analyze its history from 1877 to the present. Select four specific events or developments that span the years covered by this course, based on their impact on the topic. Two of the events must be from before 1945 and two events must be from after 1945. You must assess how the events in relationship to the topic changed over time and explain how the changes occurred.

Write an introduction with a thesis. Your thesis should summarize the main conclusions that you discovered while researching your topic and that you will support with a logical argument based on evidence (sources). Connect each of the events or developments you have chosen back to your main thesis. The information presented must be organized and in chronological order. You must use at least four sources in your paper other than the textbook, with at least two primary sources and at least two secondary sources.

Choose one of the following topics:

  • Native Americans/American Indians
  • African Americans
  • Immigrants
  • Women

The Final Project must include a separate title page that has the title of the project, student’s name, course name and number, instructor’s name, and date submitted. It must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement, address the topic of the paper with critical thought, and end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis. It must use at least four scholarly resources other than the textbook, including a minimum of two primary sources. Your secondary sources must come from established academic libraries. The project must document all sources according to APA style. If you choose to create a PowerPoint presentation, you should use visual elements to contribute to your explanation of the topic and include proper APA citations for all source material.

Paper For Above Instructions

Title: The Evolution of African American Civil Rights from 1877 to Present

Introduction

The African American civil rights movement is a historical chronicle characterized by resilience, activism, and a relentless pursuit of equality. From the post-Civil War era of Reconstruction in 1877 to the contemporary fight for justice, African Americans have navigated through a landscape marred by systemic racism. This paper examines four pivotal events that highlight the evolution of this struggle: the establishment of the Freedmen’s Bureau (1865), the Harlem Renaissance (1920s), the Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s), and the Black Lives Matter movement (2010-present). These events, dissected through a historical lens, illustrate the complexities of African American identity and the changing socio-political landscape in America.

Event 1: The Freedmen’s Bureau and Reconstruction (1865-1877)

Established in the aftermath of the Civil War, the Freedmen’s Bureau aimed to assist formerly enslaved African Americans in transitioning to freedom. This agency played a critical role in providing education, employment, and healthcare. However, it faced significant opposition from Southern whites who resisted these changes vehemently. Despite the Bureau's efforts, the era of Reconstruction was marred by racial violence, exemplifying a national struggle toward racial equality. This period set the foundation for African American activism and the quest for civil rights in the ensuing decades (Du Bois, 2007).

Event 2: The Harlem Renaissance (1920s)

The Harlem Renaissance marked a cultural awakening that witnessed the flourishing of African American literature, art, and music. This movement arose as a response to the pervasive racial discrimination and segregation of the Jim Crow era. It provided a platform for African Americans to express their cultural identity and assert their rights. Significant figures such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston emerged during this time, articulating the rich tapestry of African American experiences. This cultural revolution not only challenged racial stereotypes but also laid the groundwork for future civil rights activism (Huggins, 2007).

Event 3: The Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s)

The Civil Rights Movement was a watershed moment in American history, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of justice. Landmark events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, mobilized countless activists against systemic racism and disenfranchisement. Key leadership from figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks galvanized public support and brought national attention to the injustices faced by African Americans. The movement's significant legislative outcomes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, marked monumental advances toward racial equality (King, 1963).

Event 4: The Black Lives Matter Movement (2010-present)

In the contemporary context, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has emerged as a powerful response to ongoing systemic racism and police brutality. Sparked by the tragic deaths of African Americans like Trayvon Martin and George Floyd, BLM seeks to address the racial injustices that continue to plague society. Utilizing social media as a tool for activism, BLM fosters a global conversation about race and human rights in the 21st century. The movement reflects the enduring legacy of previous civil rights struggles while adapting to the modern socio-political climate. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of equality remains a critical and evolving challenge (Taylor, 2016).

Conclusion

The journey of African Americans from 1877 to the present is marked by determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. By examining the Freedmen’s Bureau, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Black Lives Matter movement, we can appreciate the evolving nature of African American activism. These events illustrate a continuous thread of resistance, emphasizing that while progress has been made, the struggle for equality and justice persists. Understanding this history is crucial for recognizing the importance of solidarity and the ongoing fight against systemic inequalities in all forms.

References

  • Du Bois, W. E. B. (2007). The souls of Black folk. Dover Publications.
  • Huggins, N. (2007). Harlem Renaissance. Oxford University Press.
  • King, M. L. (1963). I Have a Dream. Washington, D.C.
  • Taylor, K.-Y. (2016). From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation. Haymarket Books.
  • Gates, H. L. (1997). The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African American Literary Criticism. Oxford University Press.
  • Morison, S. E. (1965). The Oxford History of the American People. Oxford University Press.
  • Schmidt, L. (2004). The Civil Rights Movement. Greenhaven Press.
  • Tyson, L. (2010). Blood on the Forge. HarperCollins.
  • Cohen, R. (2009). A History of African Americans: The Civil Rights Movement. Infobase Publishing.
  • Ransby, B. (2012). Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision. University of North Carolina Press.

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