African American Political Thought: A Collective History

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African American Political Thought: A Collected History

by Melvin L. Rogers

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1915 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	770 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

African American political thought is a rich and diverse tradition that has emerged over centuries of struggle against oppression and discrimination. From the earliest days of the slave trade to the present, African Americans have sought to articulate their own visions of freedom, equality, and justice. This article will explore the history of African American political thought, highlighting some of the key thinkers and ideas that have shaped its development.

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The Colonial Era

The origins of African American political thought can be traced back to the colonial era. Enslaved Africans brought with them a complex set of cultural and political traditions that influenced their understanding of freedom and self-government. Many enslaved Africans believed that they had a natural right to freedom and that they should be treated with dignity and respect. This belief was often expressed in religious terms, as many enslaved Africans saw themselves as part of a larger community of believers who were struggling against oppression.

One of the most famous examples of African American political thought from the colonial era is the work of Phillis Wheatley. Wheatley was a poet and abolitionist who was born in West Africa and brought to the United States as a slave. In her poems, Wheatley expressed her belief in the equality of all people and her hope for a world where slavery would be abolished.

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The Nineteenth Century

The nineteenth century was a period of great change and upheaval for African Americans. The abolition of slavery in 1865 marked a turning point in the history of African American political thought. For the first time, African Americans were legally free and able to participate in the political process. However, the end of slavery did not mean the end of racism and discrimination. African Americans continued to face legal and social barriers that prevented them from fully exercising their rights as citizens.

In the face of these challenges, African American thinkers and activists developed a variety of political strategies. Some, like Frederick Douglass, argued for the immediate integration of African Americans into American society. Others, like W.E.B. Du Bois, believed that African Americans should focus on building their own institutions and communities. Still others, like Marcus Garvey, argued for the creation of a separate African American state.

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The Twentieth Century

The twentieth century was a time of great progress and setbacks for African Americans. The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s led to the passage of landmark legislation that outlawed segregation and discrimination. However, the civil rights movement also led to a backlash from white supremacists, who used violence and intimidation to try to prevent African Americans from exercising their rights.

Despite the challenges, African American political thought continued to flourish in the twentieth century. Black intellectuals and activists developed a wide range of theories and strategies to address the problems facing African Americans. Some, like Martin Luther King, Jr., argued for nonviolent resistance to racism. Others, like Malcolm X, argued for self-defense and black nationalism. Still others, like Angela Davis, argued for a more radical approach to social change.

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The Twenty-First Century

The twenty-first century has seen continued progress for African Americans, but also new challenges. The election of Barack Obama as president in 2008 was a historic moment, but it did not end racism or discrimination. African Americans continue to face disproportionate rates of poverty, unemployment, and incarceration.

In the face of these challenges, African American political thought remains a vital force for change. Black intellectuals and activists continue to develop new theories and strategies to address the problems facing African Americans. Their work is essential to the ongoing struggle for freedom, equality, and justice.

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African American political thought is a rich and diverse tradition that has evolved over centuries of struggle against oppression and discrimination. From the earliest days of the slave trade to the present, African Americans have sought to articulate their own visions of freedom, equality, and justice. Their work has helped to shape the American political landscape and continues to inspire activists and scholars today.

## Additional Resources

* The Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed * The African American Registry * The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

African American Political Thought: A Collected History

by Melvin L. Rogers

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1915 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	770 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE