African-American

African-American (also referred to as Black American or Afro-American) is an ethnic group of Americans with total or partial ancestry from any of the black racial groups of Africa. The term typically refers to descendants of enslaved black people who are from the United States.

History

The history of African-Americans is deeply intertwined with the history of the United States. African-Americans are primarily descendants of enslaved people who were brought from Africa to the United States between the 16th and 19th centuries during the Atlantic slave trade. The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the subsequent Thirteenth Amendment in 1865 abolished slavery in the United States.

Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal period in African-American history. It took place primarily during the 1950s and 1960s and aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination against African-Americans. Key figures in the movement included Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. The movement led to significant legislative changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Culture

African-American culture is rich and diverse, encompassing various aspects such as music, art, literature, and cuisine.

Music

African-American music has had a profound impact on the development of various music genres, including jazz, blues, hip hop, and R&B. Notable musicians include Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Tupac Shakur, and Beyoncé.

Literature

African-American literature has produced many influential writers and poets, such as Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou. The Harlem Renaissance was a significant cultural movement during the 1920s that celebrated African-American cultural expressions.

Demographics

As of the most recent United States Census, African-Americans make up approximately 13.4% of the U.S. population. They are predominantly concentrated in the Southern United States, but significant populations exist in urban areas across the country.

Notable Figures

• Barack Obama - The first African-American President of the United States.
• Harriet Tubman - An abolitionist and political activist.
• Frederick Douglass - A former enslaved person who became a national leader of the abolitionist movement.

Related Pages

• African-American history
• African-American culture
• Civil Rights Movement
• Harlem Renaissance
• List of African-American firsts