Historical Eras
Journey through the movements and moments that defined Black history in America.
Showing 8 of 8 eras
1619–1865
Slavery & Abolitionism
The era of American slavery and the growing movement to abolish it, from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to the end of the Civil War.
1865–1900
The Reconstruction Era
The period after the Civil War when formerly enslaved people gained citizenship and voting rights, built institutions, and faced violent backlash.
1877–1954
The Jim Crow Era
The era of legalized racial segregation in America, from the end of Reconstruction to the Brown v. Board of Education ruling that declared separate schools unconstitutional.
1910–1970
The Great Migration
The mass movement of approximately 6 million Black Americans from the rural South to cities in the North, Midwest, and West, transforming American demographics, culture, and politics.
1918–1937
The Harlem Renaissance
An extraordinary flowering of Black art, literature, music, and intellectual thought centered in Harlem, New York, that redefined Black identity and American culture.
1954–1968
The Civil Rights Movement
The organized movement to end racial segregation and discrimination against Black Americans through nonviolent protest and legal action.
1965–1980
The Black Power Era
A transformative period when Black Americans demanded self-determination, celebrated Black identity, built community institutions, and pursued political power on their own terms.
1968–Present
The Modern Era
From the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement to today, Black Americans have achieved historic milestones while continuing to fight for full equality and justice.