African American History Documents

Descendants of African-Americans who began their lives in America as kidnapped slaves were then deprived of civil rights by "Jim Crow" laws. Leaders inspired others to overcome racial prejudice and legal obstacles. These stories highlight the ups and downs of black history.

During World War I, 1st Lt. Charles Tribbet - an African-American officer - took a train from New York to Ft. Sill.  "Jim Crow" laws required him...

Celia, a Slave, had no last name.  She could not read.  She could not write.  She was accused of murdering her "master" while defendin...

When Douglass died, his sudden passing shocked people everywhere.  Many news articles talk both about the man and his legacy. This is one of tho...

Image depicting the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson, dated October, 1895. Click on the image for a better view.

When African-American soldiers returned home, after fighting in World War I, they faced serious discrimination in the States. They had fought, and die...

The first page of the Emancipation Proclamation.  Click on the image to examine it more closely.

The second page of the Emancipation Proclamation.  Click on the image to examine it more closely.

The third page of the Emancipation Proclamation.  Click on the image to examine it more closely.

The fourth page of the Emancipation Proclamation.  Click on the image to examine it more closely.

President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863. It freed slaves in the Confederacy, but Lincoln had no power over the Co...

This image depicts one of MANY news articles commemorating the life and work of Frederick Douglass. Click on the image for a better view.

Image of the second page of Executive Order 9981, signed by President Truman. Click on the image for a better view.

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