African American History Story Briefs

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.

The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was intended to provide protection for African-Americans.  The United States Supreme Court, however, found it to be ...

Religious leaders in Cleveland protest the buidling of a segregated school, but a deadly accident fails to stop its construction.

Although the Supreme Court was very busy, during the last part of the 19th century, the Justices overturned a key law providing civil-rights protectio...

Even before the Civil War was over, President Lincoln wanted an Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which freed slaves throughout the country. The Amen...

Colonel Benjamin Oliver Davis, Jr.

Using unexpected strategy, American generals surprise the British military and turn the tide of the Revolutionary War.

As agitation against American slavery increased, abolitionists meet in Philadelphia in December of 1833.

Slaves helped to build the White House which upset First Lady Abigail Adams. She and John Adams were the first family to move into the Executive Mansi...

Despite her obvious intelligence, Dorothy Height faced racial discrimination during her youth. Barnard College refused to accept her, but Height was ...

During the summer of 1964, known as "Freedom Summer," college students try to help African-Americans register to vote for the upcoming federal electio...

Interesting facts about MLK to ponder on MLK Day...such as why his father changed his name. While visiting Memphis, Tennessee - on the 4th of April, 1...

After South Carolina rejoined the Union, African-American males could vote. More blacks were involved in government in South Carolina than in any othe...

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