My journey in this class was a great experience to me in the sense that I have enriched my knowledge about African Americans and their evolution in United States. From the beginning, many subjects and speakers have been brought to our attention to better understand African American society.
We talked about civil rights activists such as Martin Luther King and Malcom X who had a different approach about acquisition of freedom. If I am not mistaking, Martin Luther King was in favor of a peaceful battle whereas Malcom X was very rebellious and ready to fight with Whites no matter what. To me, it was a chance to learn this part of the story because I though King and Malcom X were two people who got along with each other. At least now, I know that the two fought for the same cause but employ different strategies. Moreover, we talked about NAACP which was created on February 12, 1909. Also, I learned that this date was set on purpose to honor president Lincoln who was a protagonist for abolition of slavery. I was surprised to learn that some of the founders of NAACP such as Henry Moskowitz, Mary White Ovington and Oswald Garrison were whites who fought together with Blacks. From what I retained, NAACP’s major goals were to stop segregation, violence, and injustice against Blacks in United States. In fact, even after the abolition of slavery by 13th amendment, Blacks were not free. On the contrary, they were still abused and mistreated by Whites who only saw them as labor force. Next, segregation in the south was mostly pronounced in the south than in the north. This led to a migration of Blacks to the north part of the country at the quest of freedom and better life. Later on, Harlem Renaissance also known as New Negro Movement was born and dissociated in 1935. Alain Leroy Locke described Harlem Renaissance as “a spiritual coming of age in which the black community was able to seize upon its first chances for group expression and self determination.” There are many factors that influence the emergence of Harlem Renaissance. Among them, there are the migration of slaves towards the north, more educational opportunities available to Blacks, and also important figures Philip Randolph, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Marcus Garvey.
In addition, we had an occasion to watch video of a White male, Tim Wise who brought the issue about privileges in United States. If I am not mistaking, I think he said that African Americans and Latinos are more likely to be stopped by police officer than any other White man. This is unfortunately a sad reality that some people have to face.
Another point brought to our attention was the definition and characteristics of African American families. Most of the time, Black families are not complete, either the father or mother is not present. Sometimes, children are raised by their grandparents who take care of them until they become adults. I am not inferring that there are not good examples of Black families, however African Americans are always pointed out when it comes to family instability and troubles. Out there, there are many African Americans who constitute good example to be followed. Among them, there are Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett who together form and portray a perfect image of family.
At last, I remember when speakers Rhonda Williams and Anthony Douglas came and talked to us about NAACP and its objective. Before they came, I thought NAACP was only established to help Blacks and only Blacks. These speakers informed us that NAACP is representing everybody of color. During their visit, Mrs. Williams and Mr. Douglas wanted us to be more involved in the NAACP youth department. I especially remember one of Mrs. Williams’ statements which was: “We have to always give back to the community.”
Overall, this class was a nice journey which helps me enrich my knowledge about African American Community.