THE AFRICAN AMERICAN STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY AND JUSTICE IN CAIRO, ILLINOIS, 1865-1900. |
| Author: |
Hays, Christopher K.
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| Author Background: |
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| Date |
1/1/97
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| Type |
Journal
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| Journal Title: |
Illinois Historical Journal
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| Volume/Pages |
90(4)p.265-284
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| Subject Matter |
African American
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| Pedagogies |
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| Abstract |
During the Civil War, the Union army relocated large numbers of blacks to Cairo, Illinois, forming the basis for a significant element of the city s population throughout the remainder of the 19thcentury. Although employed mainly as unskilled laborers, black men participated more effectively in union organization, strikes, and demonstrations than did white workers. Blackwomen, who were employed in large numbers in household service, struggled for workplace justice by continually contesting their white employers exploitative demands. Blacksoverwhelmingly supported the Republican Party until they perceived that white Republicans resisted black demands for equal education, government jobs, and more black legislators.After 1890, the city experienced increased racial polarization, tension, and violence, which inhibited black activism until the Great Depression.
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