Black History Month

February celebrates Black History Month. There is no doubt that the election of Barack Obama will be celebrated as a major milestone in African American history, but let's take a look at the events that have shaped African American history.

Beginning in 1619, the first African American slaves arrived in Jamestown, Virginia. They were considered to be an effectual, cheap form of labor and the early colonists made great use of procuring them. Slavery replaced indentured servitude, and was legal throughout the early colonies. The year, 1793 saw the Fugitive Slave Act pass in congress. This ensured that anyone who was caught aiding a fugitive slave was guilty of breaking federal law. It is believed that throughout the 18^th century, America had engaged in the transport and sale of nearly seven million slaves.

In 1831, the first, successful slavery revolt was executed by Nat Turner. It is considered successful due to the fact that the rebellion resulted in the deaths of sixty white men, women, and children. Nat Turner was ultimately caught, tried, and hung on November 11, 1831 in Jerusalem, Virginia.

During this time, the North and South was greatly divided. The Fugitive Slave Act caused many in the North to realize that something needed to be done to abolish slavery once and for all. Despite the Fugitive Slave Act, the Underground Railroad was birthed and many slaves escaped the South, staying from one "safe house" to the next, while using the Underground Railroad to ultimately reach freedom in the North. Of those who worked sacrificially in the Underground Railroad, there is no doubt that Harriet Tubman is recognized for her contributions. She worked tirelessly as a spy for the Union and placed her own life in jeopardy, numerous times. It is estimated that the Underground Railroad resulted in the freedom of anywhere between 40,000 and 100,000 African Americans.

By 1861, the growing tensions, anger, and hostilities between the North and South culminated in one of the bloodiest battles ever waged in the United States, the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln signed into effect the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. However, this was seen as an act of war, and it did not effectively end slavery, nor make it illegal in all states. Many slaves escaped to the Union, in order to gain their freedom and served in the Civil War. It is also estimated that nearly 35,000 African Americans lost their lives in the Civil War. Due to the Emancipation Proclamation, approximately 4 million African Americans were freed. Though these were incredibly significant and powerful events that took place in African American history, it was not the end of slavery, nor racism in the United States, or in the south.