I would like to address a matter that I consider important, which is the continuous impact of w.h.i.t.e supremacy in our national legislative body. As we all know, the United States abolished slavery in 1865, which was a major step forward in our country's history. But that was just the beginning of a long and ongoing struggle for civil rights. One of the first significant acts was the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which aimed to establish equality for all. This was followed by the adoption of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution in 1868, which granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and prohibited states from denying equal protection of the law to any person. 📜 In 1870, the 15th Amendment was passed, preventing states from using race, color, or prior servitude as a basis for denying voting rights. And let's not forget the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which prohibited discrimination in public places like 🏨hotels, 🎭theaters, and 🚎public transportation. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that even with these advancements, life for emancipated slaves was far from easy. Many of these laws, despite their good intentions, actually imposed additional hurdles and barriers for black Americans, significantly impacting their quality of life. It's a painful reality we must confront. 💔 Historically we have to acknowledge that the legislative body is the epitome of w.h.i.t.e. supremacy. The very foundation of these United States was built on laws and policies that oppressed black people systematically from the beginning. Please understand that being civically engaged is in fact confronting w.h.i.t.e supremacy. We must prioritize the reassessment and revision of policies throughout our entire nation. Our focus should be on striving for progress and guaranteeing that our laws and regulations align with the principles of freedom and independence. I provided a list of important legislation that has greatly influenced our nation's history. Please review it and express your opinions and insights in the comments section. 👇🏼 1. The Homestead Act (1862) 2. The Emancipation Proclamation (1863) 3. The 13th Amendment (1865) 4. The 14th Amendment (1868) 5. The Reconstruction Act (1867) 6. The Morrill Act (1862) 7. The Treaty of Washington (1871) 8. The Dawes Act (1887) 9. The Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) 10. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act (1883) 11. The Pure Food and Drug Act (1906) 12. The Hepburn Act (1906) 13. The Federal Reserve Act (1913) 14. The Clayton Antitrust Act (1914) 15. The Smith-Lever Act (1914) 16. The National Park Service Organic Act (1916) 17. The Espionage Act (1917) 18. The Sedition Act (1918) 19. The Indian Citizenship Act (1924) 20. The New Deal legislation (1933-1938) #civicengagement #policychange
16. The National Park Service Organic Act (1916) The National Park Service Organic Act, while aiming to protect and preserve natural areas and historical sites, often neglected the cultural heritage of African Americans. The exclusion and minimal representation of African American history and landmarks within national parks and historical sites perpetuated invisibility and undermined the collective memory of African Americans.
5. The Reconstruction Act (1867) Although the Reconstruction Act aimed to rebuild the South and protect the rights of newly freed African Americans, it ultimately failed due to a lack of consistent enforcement. African American political leaders faced immense violence and intimidation from white supremacists, effectively nullifying the intended progress of the legislation. African Americans were denied the rights to vote, hold office, and fully participate in the democratic process.
7. The Treaty of Washington (1871) The Treaty of Washington aimed to resolve disputes arising from the American Civil War between the United States and Britain. However, for African Americans, the treaty perpetuated the legacy of slavery by leaving the issues of the racial injustice and reparations unresolved. This omission hindered the possibility of redress for African Americans and delayed the pursuit of justice and equal treatment.
4. The 14th Amendment (1868) The 14th Amendment sought to secure equal protection under the law for all citizens. However, its intended benefits were constantly undermined due to various discriminatory practices, such as the implementation of Jim Crow laws and the rise of white supremacist organizations. African Americans faced numerous obstacles, including poll taxes, literacy tests, and voter intimidation, which directly undermined their ability to exercise their newly granted citizenship rights.
3. The 13th Amendment (1865) Though the 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States, an exploitative loophole emerged. The amendment allowed for the legal enslavement of individuals convicted of crimes. This loophole led to the rise of convict leasing, a system that overwhelmingly targeted African Americans. This repressive practice exploited Black labor and perpetuated racial inequality through imprisonment and forced labor.
15. The Smith-Lever Act (1914) The Smith-Lever Act, establishing the Cooperative Extension Service, failed to provide equitable access to farming resources and agricultural education for African American farmers. This exclusion limited their ability to benefit from advancements in agricultural productivity and land management techniques, perpetuating economic disadvantages for African Americans in rural areas.
13. The Federal Reserve Act (1913) The creation of the Federal Reserve System failed to address the distinct economic challenges faced by African Americans. The centralized banking system, influenced by racist practices, limited African Americans' access to credit, obstructing their ability to build wealth, invest in businesses, and secure financial stability.
9. The Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) While the Sherman Antitrust Act intended to prevent the concentration of economic power and protect consumers, its enforcement disproportionately targeted African American businesses. White entrepreneurs used the act to eliminate African American competition, leading to the decline of Black-owned businesses and financial instability within African American communities.
17. The Espionage Act (1917) Though implemented in the context of World War I, the Espionage Act primarily targeted anti-war activists, socialists, and African American leaders who advocated for civil rights and racial equality. African Americans were disproportionately affected by the act's repressive measures as it stifled their voices, curtailed activism, and perpetuated racial suppression.
Founder and Chief Research Officer @ Change-Policy
1y20. The New Deal legislation (1933-1938) While the various programs associated with the New Deal revolutionized American society, it failed to address the entrenched racial disparities faced by African Americans. Many New Deal programs inadvertently perpetuated racial inequalities through discriminatory practices. For example, the Home Owners' Loan Corporation redlining policies systematically denied African Americans access to housing loans, effectively segregating neighborhoods and disenfranchising a generation.