✊🏿African American History – 1865 to Present Unit 9 – Modern Struggles for Equality (2000-Present)

Key Events and Movements

• Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin's killer, gaining momentum after high-profile police killings of African Americans (Michael Brown, Eric Garner)
  • Aims to combat systemic racism, police brutality, and racial injustice through protests, advocacy, and policy changes
  • Sparked a global conversation about racial inequality and inspired similar movements worldwide
• Protests and unrest in Ferguson, Missouri (2014) and Baltimore, Maryland (2015) following the deaths of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray at the hands of police
  • Highlighted ongoing issues of police brutality, racial profiling, and the militarization of law enforcement
  • Led to increased scrutiny of policing practices and calls for reform
• Removal of Confederate monuments and symbols from public spaces, gaining traction after the Charleston church shooting in 2015 and the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017
  • Reflects a growing recognition of the problematic nature of honoring Confederate figures and the legacy of slavery
  • Sparked debates about historical memory, heritage, and the role of public monuments
• Reparations movement gains momentum, with some cities and states (Evanston, Illinois; California) implementing or considering programs to address the economic impact of slavery and discrimination
• Juneteenth (June 19) officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States
  • Represents a significant step in acknowledging the nation's history of slavery and its ongoing impact on African American communities
• Increased attention to environmental racism and the disproportionate impact of climate change and pollution on communities of color
  • Highlights the intersection of racial and environmental justice issues
  • Leads to growing calls for equitable environmental policies and investments in affected communities

Political and Legal Developments

• Election of Barack Obama as the first African American President of the United States in 2008 and his re-election in 2012
  • Represented a significant milestone in the struggle for racial equality and inspired a sense of hope and possibility for many African Americans
  • Faced challenges in addressing racial issues during his presidency, including criticism from both conservatives and progressives
• Shelby County v. Holder (2013) Supreme Court decision, which struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
  • Removed federal oversight of voting changes in states with a history of discrimination, leading to concerns about voter suppression and disenfranchisement
  • Sparked renewed efforts to protect voting rights and combat restrictive voting laws
• Passage of the First Step Act (2018), a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that aimed to reduce recidivism and improve conditions for incarcerated individuals
  • Included provisions for sentencing reforms, increased rehabilitation programs, and improved conditions in federal prisons
  • Criticized by some as not going far enough in addressing systemic issues in the criminal justice system
• Efforts to address police reform and accountability, including the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (2021) passed by the House of Representatives
  • Proposes changes to qualified immunity, the creation of a national registry for police misconduct, and a ban on certain policing practices (chokeholds, no-knock warrants)
  • Faces challenges in the Senate and opposition from some law enforcement groups
• Increasing diversity in political representation, with a record number of African American candidates running for and being elected to office at various levels of government
  • Reflects growing political engagement and a desire for more representative leadership
  • Contributes to a broader range of perspectives and priorities in policymaking
• Ongoing debates and legal challenges related to affirmative action in education and employment
  • Supreme Court cases (Fisher v. University of Texas, Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard) challenge the constitutionality of race-conscious admissions policies
  • Highlights tensions between the goal of promoting diversity and concerns about reverse discrimination

Social and Cultural Shifts

• Increased visibility and representation of African Americans in media, including film, television, and music
  • Success of films like "Black Panther" (2018) and "Get Out" (2017) showcase the power and potential of Black storytelling and representation
  • Growing number of African American creators, writers, and producers in the entertainment industry
• Expansion of Afrocentric education and the push for more inclusive and accurate teaching of African American history in schools
  • Efforts to incorporate Black history and perspectives into curricula and textbooks
  • Establishment of African American studies programs and departments in universities and colleges
• Growth of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurship, with increased support and resources for Black entrepreneurs
  • Initiatives like Black Business Month and organizations supporting Black-owned businesses (U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.)
  • Challenges persist, including access to capital, networks, and systemic barriers
• Renewed focus on mental health and wellness in the African American community
  • Efforts to destigmatize mental health issues and increase access to culturally competent care
  • Emergence of Black mental health professionals and organizations addressing specific needs and experiences
• Continued influence of African American culture on mainstream trends, including fashion, language, and social media
  • Popularization of Black slang, fashion trends, and dance styles across various platforms
  • Appropriation and commodification of Black culture remain ongoing concerns
• Intersectionality and the recognition of diversity within the African American community
  • Increased visibility and advocacy for LGBTQ+ African Americans, disabled African Americans, and other marginalized groups within the community
  • Efforts to address specific challenges and experiences faced by these groups

Economic Challenges and Progress

• Persistent wealth gap between African American and white households, with African American families holding significantly less wealth on average
  • Roots in historical discrimination, redlining, and unequal access to education, housing, and employment opportunities
  • Impacts ability to accumulate assets, invest in education, and weather financial shocks
• High unemployment and underemployment rates among African Americans, particularly in the wake of economic crises (Great Recession, COVID-19 pandemic)
  • Structural barriers and discrimination in hiring and promotion practices contribute to disparities
  • Disproportionate representation in low-wage and frontline jobs, leading to greater economic vulnerability
• Gentrification and displacement of African American communities in urban areas, as rising housing costs and development pressure push out long-term residents
  • Loss of cultural and social networks, as well as affordable housing options
  • Efforts to implement inclusive zoning policies and community benefits agreements to mitigate negative impacts
• Initiatives to promote Black economic empowerment and wealth-building
  • Increased support for Black-owned businesses, including targeted funding, mentorship programs, and supplier diversity initiatives
  • Efforts to expand access to financial education, homeownership, and investment opportunities
• Calls for corporate accountability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the private sector
  • Pressure on companies to address racial disparities in hiring, promotion, and leadership representation
  • Scrutiny of corporate practices and investments that perpetuate systemic inequalities
• Ongoing debates about the role of government in addressing economic inequalities
  • Proposals for targeted investments in African American communities, reparations, and progressive economic policies
  • Challenges in building political consensus and overcoming resistance to redistributive measures

Influential Figures and Organizations

• Black Lives Matter co-founders Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, who have played a central role in shaping the movement and its priorities
  • Developed the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag and mobilized activists across the country
  • Continued advocacy and organizing efforts beyond the initial protests
• Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), and his work to challenge racial injustice in the criminal justice system
  • Successful efforts to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals and challenge excessive sentencing
  • Establishment of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama
• Stacey Abrams, political leader and voting rights activist, known for her work to combat voter suppression and increase voter turnout in Georgia
  • Narrowly lost the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race and subsequently founded Fair Fight Action to promote fair elections
  • Credited with helping to flip Georgia in the 2020 presidential election and 2021 Senate runoff elections
• Ta-Nehisi Coates, writer and journalist, known for his influential essays and books on race, politics, and culture
  • "The Case for Reparations" (2014) article in The Atlantic reignited the national conversation about reparations for slavery and discrimination
  • "Between the World and Me" (2015) and "We Were Eight Years in Power" (2017) offer powerful reflections on the African American experience
• Ibram X. Kendi, historian and author, known for his work on antiracism and his bestselling book "How to Be an Antiracist" (2019)
  • Directs the Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University and has become a leading voice in the fight against racism
• The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), a leading civil rights organization founded in 1940
  • Continues to play a crucial role in litigation and advocacy efforts related to voting rights, criminal justice reform, and educational equity
  • Key victories include Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and Shelby County v. Holder (2013)

Media Representation and Technology

• Increasing diversity and representation in film and television, with more African American actors, writers, and directors in prominent roles
  • Success of shows like "Black-ish," "Atlanta," and "Insecure" that center African American experiences and perspectives
  • Growing recognition of the importance of authentic storytelling and representation
• Impact of social media on activism, organizing, and the spread of information related to racial justice issues
  • Platforms like Twitter and Instagram have become key tools for raising awareness, mobilizing supporters, and holding individuals and institutions accountable
  • Hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter, #SayHerName, and #OscarsSoWhite have driven conversations and sparked movements
• Digital divide and unequal access to technology and internet resources in African American communities
  • Disparities in access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital literacy skills
  • Impact on educational opportunities, job prospects, and access to essential services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Emergence of Black tech entrepreneurs and initiatives to increase diversity in the tech industry
  • Organizations like Code2040 and Black Girls Code working to provide training and opportunities for African Americans in technology fields
  • Challenges in overcoming systemic barriers and lack of representation in the sector
• Representation and portrayal of African Americans in news media and journalism
  • Concerns about the underrepresentation of African American journalists and the impact on coverage of issues affecting Black communities
  • Efforts to promote diversity in newsrooms and address biases in reporting
• Role of Black-owned media outlets and platforms in providing alternative perspectives and narratives
  • Importance of outlets like The Root, Blavity, and Essence in amplifying African American voices and experiences
  • Challenges in competing with mainstream media and securing resources and support

Ongoing Issues and Debates

• Debate over the role and tactics of the Black Lives Matter movement, including criticisms of its decentralized structure and calls for more specific policy demands
  • Tensions between grassroots activists and established civil rights organizations
  • Discussions about the effectiveness of various protest strategies and the balance between disruption and engagement
• Controversies surrounding "cancel culture" and its impact on discussions of race and racism
  • Concerns about the stifling of free speech and the potential for a backlash against anti-racist efforts
  • Debates about accountability, forgiveness, and the role of public opinion in shaping consequences for offensive behavior
• Challenges in addressing the intersection of race and other forms of marginalization, such as gender, sexuality, and class
  • Need for an intersectional approach that recognizes the compounding effects of multiple forms of discrimination
  • Tensions between prioritizing racial justice and acknowledging the specific experiences of subgroups within the African American community
• Debates over the most effective strategies for achieving racial equity and justice
  • Discussions about the relative merits of reformist and abolitionist approaches to systems like policing and incarceration
  • Disagreements over the role of electoral politics, direct action, and community organizing in driving change
• Ongoing discussions about the legacy of slavery and the case for reparations
  • Challenges in determining the scope and form of reparations, as well as building political and public support
  • Debates about the potential impact of reparations on racial wealth disparities and the broader fight for racial justice
• Balancing the need for immediate reforms with the long-term goal of dismantling systemic racism
  • Tensions between incremental progress and more radical, transformative change
  • Discussions about the role of individual actions, institutional reforms, and broader cultural shifts in achieving racial equity

Global Context and Connections

• Influence of the Black Lives Matter movement on anti-racism efforts and discussions of racial justice worldwide
  • Emergence of solidarity protests and localized movements in countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Australia
  • Adaptation of BLM's strategies and rhetoric to address specific racial and ethnic inequities in different contexts
• Connections between the African American struggle for equality and other global movements for social justice
  • Solidarity and shared experiences with marginalized communities, such as the Dalit rights movement in India or the Indigenous rights movement in the Americas
  • Opportunities for collaboration, learning, and mutual support across borders
• Impact of global economic and political trends on African American communities
  • Effects of globalization, deindustrialization, and economic inequality on employment and wealth-building opportunities
  • Influence of U.S. foreign policy and military interventions on perceptions of race and power dynamics
• Role of the African diaspora in shaping discussions of race and identity
  • Contributions of African immigrants and their descendants to the diversity and complexity of the African American experience
  • Transnational networks and cultural exchanges that inform understandings of Blackness and anti-racism efforts
• Engagement with global institutions and forums to address racial inequities and promote human rights
  • Participation in United Nations conferences and working groups on issues related to racial discrimination and Afro-descendant populations
  • Advocacy efforts to hold the U.S. accountable to international human rights standards and norms
• Importance of global solidarity and collaboration in the fight against racism and oppression
  • Recognition of the interconnected nature of struggles for racial justice and the need for a united front
  • Opportunities for learning from the successes and challenges of anti-racism movements in other parts of the world