The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross

Making a Way Out of No Way (1897-1940)

During the Jim Crow era, African Americans struggled to build their own worlds within the confines of segregation. At the turn of the 20th century, a steady stream of African Americans migrated away from the South, fleeing racial violence and searching for better opportunities in the North and the West. At the same time, there was an ascendance of arts and culture, such as The Harlem Renaissance.

Making a Way Out of No Way (1897-1940) - Preview

30s

During the Jim Crow era, African Americans struggled to build their own worlds within the harsh confines of segregation. At the turn of the 20th century, a steady stream of African Americans left the South, fleeing racial violence and searching for better opportunities in the North and the West. At the same time, there was an ascendance of black arts and culture, such as The Harlem Renaissance.

Previews + Extras

  • Racist Images and Messages in Jim Crow Era: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Racist Images and Messages in Jim Crow Era

    S1 E4 - 2m 25s

    Racist images in the Jim Crow era were used as propaganda to demean African-Americans and legitimize violence. A visit to the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University in Michigan reveals racist memorabilia and messages in all forms, from kitchen items to postcards featuring public whippings. Learn more about the redefinitions of racial stereotypes in Episode 4, "Making a Way Out of No Way."

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