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English Assignment | Racial Segregation in the US During the 1920s

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15 views1 page

English Assignment | Racial Segregation in the US During the 1920s

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thibault156968
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Race and Segregation in the USA during the 1920s

Introduction
The 1920s, known as the "Roaring Twenties," was a time of great social change in the United States. However, despite economic
growth and cultural shifts, racial segregation and discrimination remained deeply embedded in American society.

Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that celebrated Black art, music, and literature. Figures like Langston Hughes,
Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington gained fame for their contributions. This movement challenged racial stereotypes and
promoted racial pride, shaping future generations of Black artists and intellectuals.

Impact on Society
Segregation reinforced racial inequality for decades, limiting
opportunities for Black Americans. However, the fight for civil rights
gained momentum, leading to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s
and 1960s. Cultural contributions from the Harlem Renaissance
continue to influence American society today.

The Great Migration


Over 6 million African Americans moved from the South to Northern
cities in search of better economic opportunities and to escape racism.
This migration led to the growth of vibrant Black communities, such as Jim Crow signs: rules that were implemented to
Harlem in New York, where African Americans built new social, separate “white” peoples and the “colored” ones
economic, and cultural identities.

Jim Crow Laws


Racial segregation was enforced through Jim Crow laws, particularly in the Southern states. These laws required separate
facilities for Black and white people, including schools, public transport, restaurants, and restrooms. The 1896 Supreme Court
case Plessy v. Ferguson upheld the "separate but equal" doctrine, allowing segregation to continue legally.

Racial Violence & Resistance


One of the most violent events of the era was the Tulsa Race
Massacre in 1921, where white mobs destroyed Black Wall
Street, killing hundreds and leaving thousands homeless. The
NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People) fought for civil rights, while Black communities resisted
discrimination through activism, education, and cultural
expression.

Other events that occured during the 1920s:


1919 Red Summer, 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, 1923 Rosewood Massacre, 1924 Immigration Act, 1925 Ku Klux Klan March, 1926
Founding of Negro History Week, 1927 Execution of Sacco and Vanzetti, 1928 Oscar De Priest elected to Congress

Conclusion
While the 1920s saw cultural growth and prosperity for some, racial segregation and discrimination created deep societal
divisions. The struggles and achievements of African Americans during this time laid the foundation for future civil rights
advancements.

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