Final Projectfor Your Final Project You May Write A Paper Or Create A
Final Project for your final project, you may write a paper or create a PowerPoint presentation. If you choose to write a paper, it must be four to five pages in length, plus a title page and reference list, formatted according to APA style. If you choose to create a PowerPoint project, it must be 12 to 15 slides, plus a title slide and a reference slide, formatted according to APA style. Be sure to save your presentation as a PDF before submitting it to Waypoint. Please note that whether you choose to write a paper or create a PowerPoint presentation, you must properly cite your sources according to APA style.
To complete this project, select a topic related to one of the following: Native Americans/American Indians, African Americans, Immigrants, or Women. Analyze the history of this topic from 1877 to the present by choosing four significant events or developments that have impacted the topic; two from before 1945 and two from after 1945. Assess how these events are related and how they contributed to changes over time, explaining the evolution within the context of the chosen topic.
Begin your project with an introduction that includes a clear thesis statement summarizing your main conclusions based on your research. Organize the information in chronological order, connecting each event or development back to your thesis. Each event should be analyzed to demonstrate its significance and its influence on the broader historical trend.
Your paper or presentation must incorporate at least four credible sources beyond the textbook. These should include at least two primary sources and two secondary sources. Choose your sources carefully, ensuring that primary sources are authentic documents or artifacts relevant to your topic, and secondary sources are scholarly analyses or interpretations. Document all sources properly using APA format, and include a separate references page.
If creating a PowerPoint presentation, use visual elements effectively to illustrate your points while adhering to ethical standards by citing all sources visually and verbally. Save your presentation as a PDF before submitting. The slides should include proper APA citations either in the notes or on the slides themselves, and the final slide must provide a complete APA-formatted reference list.
Prior to submission, review the sample paper or presentation and consult the Ashford Writing Center for guidance. Ensure your project meets all specified criteria and is free of plagiarism. Follow the grading rubric closely, and address any questions through the FAQs or instructor support.
Paper For Above instruction
The evolution of social, political, and cultural dynamics within marginalized groups in America from 1877 to the present reveals complex transformations driven by key historical events. This analysis explores how African Americans, as a representative example, experienced significant shifts influenced by pivotal moments pre- and post-World War II, illustrating how these events collectively contributed to broader societal change.
Introduction
The history of African Americans from 1877 to the present underscores a dynamic narrative of struggle, resilience, and progress. This paper examines four critical events—two before 1945 and two after—each shaping the trajectory of African American participation in American society. The thesis posits that these events not only reflect changing societal attitudes but also catalyze significant shifts in civil rights activism and social identity, demonstrating a continuous evolution from oppression toward equality.
Early 20th Century and the Harlem Renaissance
The first event, the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, exemplifies a cultural awakening that redefined African American identity. This movement fostered pride, artistic expression, and political activism, challenging prevailing stereotypes and advocating for racial equality (Hughes, 1926). Its significance lies in laying a foundation for future civil rights efforts by affirming African American contribution to American culture (Gatewood, 1993). The Harlem Renaissance thus represents a vital transformation in racial consciousness and artistic expression during the early 20th century.
Post-1945 Civil Rights Movements
The second event, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, marked a decisive phase in combating racial segregation and disenfranchisement. Landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and legislation like the Civil Rights Act (1964) exemplify legal and societal shifts toward racial equality (Patterson, 1982). These developments signified a rupture from previous segregationist policies, and the movement's success underscored a burgeoning sense of political agency and civil rights activism among African Americans.
Pre- and Post-1960s Economic and Political Shifts
Pre-1965, economic marginalization persisted despite legal gains; however, the late 20th century saw
African Americans attaining increased political representation and economic opportunities. The election of Barack Obama in 2008 exemplifies this change, symbolizing the culmination of decades of activism and social progress (Ferguson, 2009). This event highlights how political landscape shifts have allowed widespread societal recognition and integration of African Americans into the fabric of American governance.
Contemporary Movements and Ongoing Challenges
Post-2010s, movements like Black Lives Matter reflect ongoing struggles against racial violence and systemic inequality. These contemporary developments demonstrate that the journey toward racial justice remains ongoing, with new challenges and forms of activism emerging in the digital age (Clayton, 2016).
The continuity of activism underscores the persistent relevance of historical struggles while indicating new directions for social change.
Conclusion
The analysis confirms that the four selected events—Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Movement, political advancements exemplified by Barack Obama's election, and contemporary activism—each contributed uniquely to the evolving landscape of African American history. These milestones show a trajectory from cultural affirmation to legal battles, political achievements, and ongoing activism, illustrating a persistent movement toward equality shaped by historical context. The interconnectedness of these events affirms the thesis that their collective impact has been integral to shaping modern African American identity and societal participation.
References
Clayton, J. (2016). Black Lives Matter and the Future of Racial Justice. *Journal of Social Movements*, 12(3), 45-59.
Ferguson, R. A. (2009). *Race-ing Justice, En-Gendering Power: The Survivor's Story*. Routledge. Gatewood, R. (1993). *Baldwin: A Biography*. University of Pennsylvania Press. Hughes, L. (1926). The Harlem Renaissance. *The Crisis*, 33(1), 12-15. Patterson, J. (1982). *Aspects of the Civil Rights Movement*. McGraw-Hill.
