It would be inconceivable to even imagine that revolts would not transpire when the horrific transgressions against the African Americans was in existence as it was during the slavery period. There were many revolts with some being more prominent than others and that gained recognition as being part of the African American history.

1739

While slaves were under the stringent rules of the white population their conditions were for the most part deplorable and understandably slaves were taken to their breaking point where the dangers of revolt outweighed the dangers of their captivity. This rebellion was a classic example of this where it is deemed that it was the largest slave revolt to take place within the colonies. The slaves that participated were estimated to be about a hundred and managed to hold off their captors for more than a week before facing defeat.

1741

Albeit considered to be a small rebellion the New York City Rebellion was based on a group of African Americans taking credit for the setting of several fires some of which were executed.

1831

The rebellion of Nat Turner was one of the most highly recognized even though it only started with a group of small followers comprised of five that turned into eighty as they progressed through their killings of white people as they moved through the farm land. It is estimated that they racked up a death toll of 60 whites. While this may seem small in comparison to the what was taking place among the blacks it was enough to strike fear in the hearts of their captors.

While these are just a few examples of the more noted revolts there were many others that were consistently taking place throughout the slavery period.

 

Throughout the years of slavery while most whites were in favor of it there were some that were totally against it. The small groups who want to see slavery abolished were both black and white. As a result a network was developed to help African Americans escape to places where they would be safe like Canada and some of the states that had abolished slavery. This network was dubbed the underground railroad. It was comprised of developing safe routes for escape and providing housing along the way.

There is no doubt that this network was successful and laid a path to freedom for many slaves. It is indicated that when it was in full operation that about 1,000 slaves a year were able to make successful use of it.

The secrecy of this network was able to be upheld because it was organized in small groups. Those involved only were aware of what role they were to take in aiding with an escape and were not privy to the entire plan. This made if much more difficult to be infiltrated.

Many people both black and white risked their lives for the sake of the underground railroad.

 

While there are many women who played an important role throughout the slavery years there are just as many who have contributed in some very positive ways to the rest of the African American history.

Hattie McDaniel

African American women had to fight hard for their rights and be recognized as an integral part of society. While there were many that did this Hattie McDaniel has to be recognized for her achievement as being the first female African American woman to be on the radio.

Madam C.J. Walker

No stranger to slavery Madam Walker was born into it as both her parents were slaves. She took on her first husband at the age of fourteen. What brought Madam Walker into recognition was her success at becoming the first black woman to become a millionaire. No easy feat as she worked to gain this with her development of a wide range of hair care products for black women.

Michelle Obama

We have to look at the present because there will be no mistaking that Michelle Obama will become part of black history as the first African American to become the first lady.

 

Learning about the history of mankind serves many important purposes. Each generation of African Americans has the right to know about their heritage and the roles their ancestors played in history. They can only gain this knowledge and form an appreciation for it if it is available to them and they can freely access it.

Not only is African American History important for the African Americans but is important to everyone no matter what their color, culture or heritage is because it keeps the doors of communication open and can be instrumental in eliminating racism and hatred. Most of which is bred through fear as a lack of education and understanding about all races.

Black history month which is celebrated in February is not just to be revered by the African Americans but is open for all people to celebrate and come together to learn and educate themselves. This history is just as important to the white race because of the role they played in the history back then and history now in the making.