Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom
Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation 1876-1968 captures the major aspects of that struggle and illustrates how African Americans not only survived the challenges set before them, but crafted an important role for themselves in the nation.
About the Exhibition
- When: Ongoing
- Where: Concourse 2 (C2), History Galleries
- Curator: Spencer Crew
Defending Freedom in the Era of Segregation
Between 1865 and 1968, African Americans protested segregation while also building strong communities and institutions.
A Closer Look
With the end of slavery, Black Americans had hoped to attain full citizenship. Instead, they found themselves resisting a new form of discrimination—segregation.
Edmonia G. Highgate
Edmonia G. Highgate taught newly freed children in schools around the South. She was an outspoken advocate for education who wrote about her experiences in newspapers and spoke at Colored Conventions.
The Great Migration
Between 1910 and 1970 approximately six million African Americans moved from the South to northern, midwestern and western states. One of the largest and fastest mass migrations in the nation’s history, it became known as the Great Migration.
All-Black Towns
Across the country, African Americans created towns and neighborhoods in which they were the majority. These communities offered greater independence and opportunity. They bought land, built churches, and established schools.
On View
Explore collection objects and stories of African American history and culture.
