AP afro unit 4

AP African American Studies Unit 4: Movements and Debates 1930 to Present

Key Concept: The Nadir continues, a Great Depression hits, and the New Negro Movement spreads.

Phrase Origin: "Nadir of race relations" coined by Historian Rayford Logan in 1954, stating that post-Reconstruction era was when the Negro's societal status hit its lowest.
Historical Extension: Other historians like John Hope Franklin extend this idea well into the 20th century, particularly post-World War I and through anti-Black violence until WWII.
Violence Statistics: Second-wave KKK had tens of thousands of members; more than 10 lynchings annually in the 1930s.

Overview: Mass movement of Black Americans leaving the South began around 1915 and lasted through the 1940s and 50s.
- Demographics in 1930: 80% of Black Americans still resided in the South, many in exploitative sharecropping.
- Economic Trends: Despite worsening job prospects in the North during the Great Depression, Black Americans left the South in considerable numbers.

Economic Overview: 1930s marked by the worst economic downturn in U.S. history; overall unemployment rate reached 25%.
- Black Unemployment Rates: Black unemployment reached 50% overall; in some urban areas, up to 70%. Economic hardships curtailed the Harlem Renaissance and initially thwarted the New Negro Movement.
- Job Security Issues: Black workers were the "last hired, first fired."

Government Actions: Massive federal spending aimed at economic recovery transformed the role of the U.S. government into a limited welfare state, expanding its size.
- Disproportionate Benefit Distribution: Black Americans received considerably less assistance from programs. Notable exclusions included sharecroppers and domestic workers, who made up over 60% of the Black labor force.
- Intergenerational Wealth: Efforts benefited white families while Black families were often excluded.
- Program Examples:
- Wagner Act protected unions;
- Social Security Act benefits excluded sharecroppers and domestic workers.
Political Realignment: Many Black Americans began shifting from Republican allegiance (historical party of abolitionists) to the Democratic Party post-1936 due to disillusionment with Republicans and perceived opportunities with the Democrats, notably influenced by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s advocacy.

Key Question: Explore the context and connections between the Négritude and Negrismo movements in the early-to-mid 20th century.

New Negro Movement Influence: The movement of the 1920s heralded a renewed Black identity, tied to artistic expression and self-definition against stereotypes, despite the Harlem Renaissance's decline due to economic stresses.

Négritude: Definition and Origins
- Term refers to the Black cultural and literary movement from the 1930s to the 1950s, addressing colonial exploitation and cultural assimilation.
- Establishes roots in Paris; engaged Caribbean and African intellectuals.
- Art Example: Loïs Mailou Jones’ artwork represents African heritage.

Langston Hughes: Essential for bridging movements; translated works across languages.
Josephine Baker: Significant figure, contributing culturally and politically; served as a spy during WWII, symbolizing the revitalization of Black identity abroad.

Negrismo: Emerged concurrently focusing on Afro-Latin American consciousness, fostering a celebration of African influences in Latin culture.
- Key Artist: Wifredo Lam exemplifies this focus in his work, reflecting on colonization's impact on identity.

Key Question: Investigate the causes and effects of European colonization in Africa.

Contact with Africa dates back to the 1500s with an established trading relationship.
Colonial Impact: Advanced military technology and industrialization in Europe spurred imperial ambitions in the late 1800s.
- Resistance efforts from African states were often met with brutal tactics, highlighting the violent establishment of colonial rule.
Berlin Conference (1884): European powers delineated African territories without African consent, leading to atrocities like the Herero Genocide and exploitation in the Belgian Congo, which killed millions.

Overview: Post-WWI optimism for independence was dashed when territories were divided among colonial powers.
Transnational Activism: Leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey emerged, advocating for unity against colonialism.

Key Question: Examine African Americans’ involvement in WWII, focusing on military service and activism.

Segregated Forces: Over two million African Americans served in armed forces despite segregation.
Tuskegee Airmen: Notable group of the first Black military pilots who played critical roles in battles abroad.

Origins: James G. Thompson inspired with ideas of achieving victory over fascism abroad and racism at home, advocating for civil rights during the war.
Impact: Pushed for antidiscriminatory practices in defense industries, leading to Executive Order 8802 banning job discrimination.

Federal Context: The political landscape for African Americans remained grim despite legislative victories from Reconstruction.
- Challenge: Barriers persisted despite constitutional amendments intended to ensure equal rights.
- Truman's Efforts: Truman’s executive order integrated the military and laid groundwork for civil rights advocacy, pushing the issue into national discourse amidst Cold War tensions.

Strategic Methods: These four organizations united disparate experiences and led the charge through grassroots campaigns, nonviolent protests, and legal battles.

Evolution of Movements: From Négritude and Negrismo to civil rights activism, African Americans have consistently sought to redefine their identities and advocate for equality through cultural expression and collective action.
- Significance of Artistic and Academic Contributions: The Black Arts movement and Afrocentricity represent profound cultural shifts that continue to influence contemporary society and scholarship, as they provide frameworks for understanding the historical and ongoing struggles against oppression.
- Intersectionality in Activism: Various movements must acknowledge intersecting identities to fully understand the challenges faced by African Americans, particularly women and those with disabilities.
- Legacy and Future Directions: Exploring the connection between historical activism and contemporary issues, including systemic racism and social justice, remains crucial for ongoing efforts toward equality and representation in various sectors of society.