African Americans

African Americans have almost always been subjected to prejudice. When they arrived on slave ships they were sold at the docks, separated and torn from their families. They were treated like animals and livestock on the large plantations where they worked. They were forced to follow the rules of their master, and if they did not, they were set before the whip, beaten, and killed. After the American Civil War, African Americans were given a great opportunity to a new start. Acres of plantation land from the South was given to the freed slaves. They were given livestock, the right to vote, and a chance for a new life. They were declared citizens, as every person born in the United States becomes. They were not treated as equals. They were still seen to some as slaves. They were still beaten and hurt at the hands of violent gangs that preyed the South. The Klu Klux Klan was one of the many organizations formed to "exterminate" African Americans. During the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans really stood up for what they believed in. They showed the world that what they believed was right. They protested peacefully and sought to bring equality to all races. Caucasian Americans still proceeded to treat African Americans as inferiors. They abused them in public places, drenched them in the streets with fire hoses, and beat them until they had no more breath. The peaceful protests did get African Americans somewhere. Although they were hurt then, their children and grandchildren now have the opportunity to a better life. They are free to be equals, and although there is still racism and prejudice in America, we have learned to live side by side, together as equals.

My grandfather was born in 1912. He has lived through many wars and has seen many events in history. I do not know if he supported or was against the Civil Rights Movement. I will probably never know since he now suffers from dementia. It is so hard to speak with him. It is hard to understand his mumbled sentences, as the words are lost in his breath. He does not even know my name. My grandfather does know that we have an African American president. He remembers his name. I think this is wonderful. My grandfather knows who our president is. It is great to see him know about and be a part of something so great in American history.