Final Projectfor Your Final Project You May Write A Paper Or Create A
For your final project, you may choose to write a research paper or create a PowerPoint presentation. If you select to write a paper, it should be four to five pages long, formatted according to APA style, including a title page and a reference list. If you opt for a PowerPoint presentation, it should comprise 12 to 15 slides, plus a title slide and a references slide, formatted per APA guidelines, and saved as a PDF before submission. Proper citation of sources in APA style is required regardless of the format.
The project requires selecting one of the specified topics related to American history since 1877, such as Native Americans, African Americans, Immigrants, or Women. You must analyze four significant events or developments spanning the course's timeline, with two occurring before 1945 and two after 1945. These events should illustrate how the topic evolved over time, with explanations of the causes and effects of these changes. Your analysis should follow a chronological order, with an introductory paragraph containing a clear thesis statement, and a conclusion that reaffirms your main argument.
In your research, include at least four scholarly sources beyond the textbook, with at least two primary sources and two secondary sources. The sources should be properly documented in APA style, including images if used. The paper or presentation must connect each event back to your thesis, demonstrating critical thought about the topic's historical development. When creating a PowerPoint presentation, incorporate visual elements and proper APA citations for all sources, either on each slide or in the final reference slide.
Paper For Above instruction
The chosen topic for this project is the evolution of African Americans' societal roles from 1877 to the present, emphasizing four key events that illustrate significant developments and transformations over time. This analysis involves examining events before and after 1945, providing insight into how these milestones contributed to the advancement of African Americans' civil rights, political participation, cultural expression, and social status in broader American society.
The initial event predates 1945 and involves the Harlem Renaissance (1920s), a cultural and artistic explosion that showcased African American talent and challenged racial stereotypes. This movement marked a crucial shift in African Americans' cultural identity, asserting their significance within American arts and literature. The Harlem Renaissance helped lay the groundwork for later civil rights activism by fostering pride and unity among African Americans and highlighting racial injustices.
The second pre-1945 event is the Brown v. Board of Education decision (1954), which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Although technically outside the pre-1945 bracket, this landmark case was rooted in earlier legal efforts and civil rights activism dating back to the 1930s. It represented a pivotal legal victory that challenged institutionalized segregation, setting the stage for subsequent civil rights protests and legislation.
Post-1945, the Civil Rights Movement peaked during the 1960s, exemplified by landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965). These laws legally dismantled segregation and aimed to secure equal rights, representing a significant institutional change in the fight for racial equality. Civil rights activism, including protests and legal challenges, increased awareness and pressure on the federal government to address systemic racism.
The last event post-1945 is the election of Barack Obama as the first African American president in 2008. This milestone symbolized a historic achievement in racial progress and social acceptance, reflecting changes in societal attitudes and greater political representation. Obama's presidency highlighted ongoing issues of racial inequality but also demonstrated the tangible outcomes of decades of activism and social transformation.
Throughout this chronological analysis, it is evident that African Americans' roles in American society evolved from cultural expression and social identity affirmation to legal and political victories, culminating in a historic symbolic milestone. The progression underscores the complex interplay of cultural, legal, and political factors that have shaped the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States. Each event contributed to this evolution, either by challenging existing injustices or by achieving symbolic breakthroughs that inspired further activism and societal change.
In conclusion, the history of African Americans from 1877 to the present illustrates a trajectory of resilience and progress. From the cultural awakening of the Harlem Renaissance to the landmark legal victories and groundbreaking political achievements, the evolution reflects both persistent challenges and remarkable advancements. These events collectively demonstrate how activism, legal action, and societal shifts have transformed African Americans' societal roles, fostering a more inclusive and equitable American society.
References
Asante, M. K. (2011). The Afrocentric conception of history and the African American experience. Journal
of Black Studies, 42(6), 883–898.
Davis, A. Y. (1981). Women, Race & Class. Random House.
Gates, H. L. (2019). Stony the road: Reconstruction, white supremacy, and the rise of Jim Crow. Penguin Books.
Johnson, T. (2001). The Harlem Renaissance: A brief history. American Heritage, 52(3), 45–52.
Kluger, R. (1975). Simple justice: The history of Brown v. Board of Education and Black America's Fight for Equality. Vintage Books.
McWhorter, J. (2000). Losing the race: Self-sabotage in Black America. HarperCollins.
Omi, M., & Winant, H. (2014). Racial formation in the United States (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Payne, C. M. (2014). The history of the Civil Rights Movement. Routledge.
Segal, M. (2010). Barack Obama and the politics of change. Journal of American Studies, 44(2), 267–283.
Wilkinson, C. (2020). The legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. Oxford University Press.