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African American History – Before 1865
Table of Contents
Unit 1 Overview: African American History: Atlantic Origins
1.1 Historiography of African American Studies
1.2 The Atlantic World: Connections and Exchanges
1.3 Key Concepts and Themes in African American History

African American historiography emerged as scholars challenged dominant narratives that excluded Black experiences. Pioneers like Carter G. Woodson and W.E.B. Du Bois laid the groundwork for African American Studies, emphasizing the importance of preserving and documenting Black cultural heritage.

Theoretical approaches like Afrocentricity and intersectionality have shaped the field, offering new perspectives on historical events. Primary sources, including slave narratives and oral histories, provide crucial insights into African American experiences, enriching our understanding of the past.

Early African American Historians

Pioneering Scholars in African American History

  • Carter G. Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 promoted research and publication of African American history
  • Woodson initiated Negro History Week in 1926 evolved into Black History Month celebrated annually in February
  • W.E.B. Du Bois wrote groundbreaking works on African American experiences (The Souls of Black Folk)
  • Du Bois conducted empirical sociological studies on Black communities challenged prevailing racist ideologies
  • John Hope Franklin authored "From Slavery to Freedom" in 1947 became a seminal text in African American history
  • Franklin integrated African American history into mainstream American historical narratives advocated for its inclusion in academic curricula

Impact and Legacy of Early Historians

  • These scholars challenged dominant historical narratives excluded or misrepresented African American experiences
  • Their work laid the foundation for the development of African American Studies as an academic discipline
  • Early historians emphasized the importance of preserving and documenting African American cultural heritage
  • Their research methodologies influenced subsequent generations of historians studying African American history
  • These pioneers advocated for the recognition of African American contributions to American society and culture

Theoretical Approaches

Afrocentric and Black Studies Perspectives

  • Afrocentricity emerged as a theoretical framework in the 1980s centered African experiences and perspectives
  • Molefi Asante developed Afrocentricity as an approach to studying African and African American history and culture
  • Afrocentric approach emphasizes African agency and cultural continuity in historical analysis
  • Black Studies movement gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s demanded inclusion of African American perspectives in academia
  • Black Studies programs established at universities across the United States (San Francisco State University)
  • These approaches challenged Eurocentric biases in historical scholarship promoted diverse perspectives

Critical Approaches in African American Historiography

  • Revisionist history reexamines and reinterprets historical events and narratives from new perspectives
  • Revisionist historians challenge traditional interpretations of slavery, Reconstruction, and civil rights movements
  • Intersectionality introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw examines overlapping systems of oppression and discrimination
  • Intersectional approach analyzes how race, gender, class, and other identities intersect in shaping historical experiences
  • Critical Race Theory emerged in legal studies applied to historical analysis of systemic racism and its impacts
  • These approaches provide nuanced understandings of African American experiences throughout history

Historical Sources

Primary Sources in African American History

  • Slave narratives provide firsthand accounts of enslaved individuals' experiences (Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass)
  • Autobiographies and memoirs offer personal perspectives on historical events and social conditions
  • Letters and diaries reveal intimate details of daily life and personal reflections
  • Newspapers and periodicals document contemporary events and public discourse (The North Star)
  • Government records include census data, court documents, and legislative records
  • Photographs and visual materials capture historical moments and cultural expressions

Oral History and Its Significance

  • Oral history involves collecting and preserving spoken memories and personal commentaries
  • Oral traditions played crucial roles in preserving African and African American cultural heritage
  • Interviews with former slaves conducted by the Federal Writers' Project in the 1930s provided valuable historical insights
  • Oral histories capture experiences of individuals often excluded from written records
  • Methodological challenges in oral history include issues of memory, subjectivity, and interpretation
  • Oral history projects document civil rights movements, community histories, and family genealogies

Key Terms to Review (23)

African American Exceptionalism: African American exceptionalism refers to the belief that African Americans have a unique experience and perspective due to their history of slavery, discrimination, and resilience in the United States. This concept highlights how African Americans possess distinct cultural, social, and political attributes that set them apart from other racial or ethnic groups, often resulting in their ability to navigate and overcome systemic challenges. Understanding this term is crucial for analyzing the historiography of African American studies as it emphasizes the complexities and nuances of African American identity and experience throughout history.
The middle passage: The middle passage refers to the brutal sea journey undertaken by enslaved Africans as they were transported from Africa to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. This horrific voyage was characterized by overcrowded ships, inhumane conditions, and significant mortality rates, serving as a critical aspect of the broader narrative of African American history and the impact of slavery on the African diaspora.
W.E.B. Du Bois: W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent African American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist born in 1868, known for his influential work in advocating for the rights of African Americans and promoting the importance of higher education. He was one of the first to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University and played a significant role in the founding of the NAACP, using his platform to challenge racial discrimination and promote social justice.
John Hope Franklin: John Hope Franklin was a prominent African American historian whose work significantly shaped the field of African American studies. He is best known for his influential book 'From Slavery to Freedom,' which provided a comprehensive narrative of African American history and challenged existing historiographical approaches that often marginalized black experiences. His scholarship emphasized the importance of understanding African American history within the broader context of American history.
From Slavery to Freedom: The phrase 'from slavery to freedom' encapsulates the transformative journey of African Americans as they transitioned from the brutal conditions of enslavement to the pursuit of liberty and rights in the United States. This journey is marked by struggles for emancipation, self-definition, and the fight for civil rights, reflecting broader societal changes and historical contexts that shaped their experiences.
Carter G. Woodson: Carter G. Woodson was an influential African American historian, author, and journalist, often referred to as the 'Father of Black History.' He played a crucial role in establishing the field of African American Studies and advocated for the importance of recording and preserving African American history and culture.
The new history: The new history is an approach to historiography that emphasizes the inclusion of previously marginalized perspectives and voices in historical narratives. This approach encourages historians to examine the experiences of everyday people, particularly those from underrepresented groups, such as women and minorities, thus broadening the understanding of historical events and processes.
Emancipation Proclamation: The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declaring the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. This significant document shifted the Civil War's focus to the abolition of slavery, highlighting the moral imperative to end slavery while also bolstering Union military efforts.
Revisionist History: Revisionist history is an approach to historical analysis that seeks to re-examine and reinterpret established narratives based on new evidence or perspectives. This method can lead to a more nuanced understanding of historical events, particularly when examining marginalized groups or overlooked aspects of the past, such as the experiences of African Americans before 1865.
Systemic Racism: Systemic racism refers to the institutionalized policies and practices that perpetuate racial inequality and discrimination within a society, impacting various systems such as education, housing, healthcare, and the criminal justice system. This term highlights how racism is not just individual acts of prejudice but embedded in the fabric of societal structures. Understanding systemic racism is crucial for analyzing historical and contemporary issues faced by African Americans, especially in relation to significant historical events and movements.
The Souls of Black Folk: The Souls of Black Folk is a seminal work by W.E.B. Du Bois published in 1903, which explores the complexities of African American identity and the struggle for civil rights in post-Civil War America. This book is notable for introducing the concept of 'double consciousness,' highlighting the internal conflict faced by African Americans as they navigate their identity in a society that devalues their existence. Du Bois combines personal narrative, historical analysis, and sociological insights to shed light on the African American experience and to critique both racism and the inadequacies of contemporary social policies.
Black Nationalism: Black nationalism is a political and social movement advocating for the self-determination, cultural pride, and empowerment of Black people, often emphasizing the need for a separate identity and community away from mainstream society. This ideology emerged as a response to systemic racism, oppression, and the desire for a distinct Black cultural identity. It has played a significant role in various historical contexts, fostering unity among African Americans and inspiring movements aimed at social justice and equality.
Critical Race Theory: Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an academic framework that examines the intersection of race, law, and power, highlighting how systemic racism affects societal structures and individual experiences. It originated in the legal studies field in the late 20th century and emphasizes that racism is not just an individual bias but a structural phenomenon embedded within laws and institutions. This perspective challenges traditional civil rights approaches and seeks to uncover the ways in which racial inequality is maintained in society.
Slave narratives: Slave narratives are autobiographical accounts written by former enslaved individuals, detailing their experiences of slavery and their journeys to freedom. These narratives provide a powerful first-hand perspective on the brutal realities of enslavement, as well as the resilience and determination of those who lived through it. They play a crucial role in understanding the historical context of slavery and its impact on African American identity and culture.
The North Star: The North Star, also known as Polaris, is a bright star located nearly at the north celestial pole, which has historically served as a navigational aid for travelers. In the context of African American history, the term 'North Star' symbolizes hope, freedom, and the quest for escape from slavery, as it represented the direction that enslaved people aimed for in their journey to freedom, particularly towards the northern states and Canada where slavery was outlawed.
Black History Month: Black History Month is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. It serves as a time to reflect on the struggles faced by Black individuals and communities while highlighting their cultural heritage and impact on society. Established in 1976, this month-long celebration emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context and ongoing narratives within African American studies.
Resistance: Resistance refers to the actions and efforts taken by individuals or groups to oppose and challenge systems of oppression, particularly in the context of social injustice and inequality. This concept is crucial for understanding how marginalized communities have fought back against their subjugation, asserting their rights and identity throughout history.
Oral history: Oral history is a method of gathering, preserving, and interpreting the voices and memories of people through recorded interviews. This approach is essential in capturing personal experiences and perspectives that might not be found in traditional written records, making it a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of African American experiences and history.
Identity formation: Identity formation is the process by which individuals develop a distinct sense of self and social belonging, shaped by cultural, historical, and personal experiences. This term is crucial for understanding how African Americans have navigated their identity in the context of their unique historical circumstances, including the legacy of slavery, systemic racism, and cultural resilience.
NAACP: The NAACP, or National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is one of the oldest and most influential civil rights organizations in the United States, founded in 1909. It was created to combat racial discrimination and promote civil rights through legal challenges, advocacy, and education. The NAACP's efforts have been pivotal in advancing the fight for racial equality and justice, making it a critical player in the broader narrative of African American history and its historiography.
Afrocentricity: Afrocentricity is a cultural and intellectual framework that places African people and their experiences at the center of analysis, emphasizing the importance of African history, culture, and contributions to the world. This perspective challenges Eurocentric views that often marginalize or distort the significance of African civilizations and promotes a deeper understanding of the African diaspora's impact on global history.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how various social identities, such as race, gender, class, and sexuality, intersect and create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. This concept emphasizes that individuals experience multiple and simultaneous forms of oppression, which cannot be understood separately from one another. Recognizing these intersections is crucial in analyzing social inequalities and the experiences of marginalized groups.
Cultural Assimilation: Cultural assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs, values, and norms of another culture, often leading to a diminished sense of their original cultural identity. This phenomenon is particularly significant in understanding the historical experiences of African Americans and their interactions with dominant European American culture.