Were the new rights afforded to black migrants in the North evident in daily practices?
African Americans left the South in unprecedented numbers in the second decade of the twentieth century. In the previous decade approximately 190,000 blacks migrated North. In the 1910's over 522,000 blacks migrated (78 McAdams). Migrants left behind a life dictated by Jim Crow laws, disenfranchisement, and racial violence. Their expectations included economic self-suffiency, political participation, intregation, and safety. Chicago was the destination of approximately 50,000 Southern blacks during this time period. Unfortunately, migrants did not see substantial tangible benefits in Chicago but did experience symbolic gains that developed feelings of dignity and pride.
The right to vote in Chicago did not necessarily translate into city resources for African-Americans.
The symbolic gains of the right to vote proved significant as a source of great pride.
Segregation was alive and well in Chicago.
Migrants did experience some equality as afforded by intregation in select areas.
Racial violence and law enforcement neglect occured in Chicago.
African Americans violently reacted to
racial violence during the 1919 Chicago Race Riot, a different
response than what occured in previous riots of the 20th
century.
The experiences of African American migrants in
Chicago were discouraging and yet uplifting. Though afforded
political participation, they recieved little in public
resources. Nevertheless black pride was uplifted by the 1919
mayoral election and the presence of black elected officials and
organizations. Unfortunately, violence and segregation did find
a place in the North. Poor housing, inferior employment, house
bombings, riots, and biased execution of law enforcement were the
manifestations of the existing racism. However, there were no
longer "Jim Crow" laws and its symbols to degrade their spirit.
Self-respect developed from the intregration with whites in
streetcars and schools. The dignity derived from all these
factors fostered a new mentality. Previous white violence was
not retaliated in kind. But as displayed in the 1919 Chicago Race
Riot, they would no longer stand idle when they felt their newly
found rights were in jeopardy,
Bibliography
Grossman, James R. Land of Hope. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1989.
Franklin, John Hope and Moss, Alfred A. From Slavery to Freedom. McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York, 1994.
McAdam, Doug. Political Process and the Development of Black Insurgency, 1930-1970. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1982.