Emancipation was not meant with the celebration and joy that should have followed but rather ugly truths were revealed. After emancipation many asked if their freedom was worth the pain and turmoil that followed emancipation (Bryant). The abolishment of slavery didn’t eliminate overall discrimination or segregation. But, it also leads to a long life of trial and turmoil of former slaves trying to adapt to American culture, from the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, to the Reconstruction era in 1866, until the growth of racism today (Harris). The effects of slavery and the aftermath of the civil war are being felt today (Bryant).
Before the signing of the emancipation proclamation of 1863, blacks were slaves and considered property. …show more content…
The emancipation proclamation in 1863 freed slaves in rebel states, but after the civil war the thirteenth amendment freed all U.S. slaves no matter which state (Harris). A quote from a freed man, Houston Hartsfield Holloway, said “For we colored people did not know how to be free and the white people did not know how to have a free colored person about them (Harris).” During this period, after the civil war the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth amendments added to the constitution and the civil rights act of 1866, Blacks enjoyed a short period of time when they were allowed to vote, actively participate in politics, buy land, seek employment, and use public accommodations (Tugraham). But it was also a period of hard times financially, medically and most of all a time of fear (Harris). After emancipation a small amount of former slaves were able to own their own land (Harris). Although ownership of land was a means to achieve wealth these former slaves landowners were riddled with crippling debt from acquiring less than desirable land (Lab). The land acquired in some cases was worth far less than the former slave owed for the land (Lab). Former slaves could not afford to get medical attention because of a lack of funds in many cases (Lab). Medical bill would lead to their overall debt and push them even further behind white society (Harris). To offset acquiring debt
Before the signing of the emancipation proclamation of 1863, blacks were slaves and considered property. …show more content…
The emancipation proclamation in 1863 freed slaves in rebel states, but after the civil war the thirteenth amendment freed all U.S. slaves no matter which state (Harris). A quote from a freed man, Houston Hartsfield Holloway, said “For we colored people did not know how to be free and the white people did not know how to have a free colored person about them (Harris).” During this period, after the civil war the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth amendments added to the constitution and the civil rights act of 1866, Blacks enjoyed a short period of time when they were allowed to vote, actively participate in politics, buy land, seek employment, and use public accommodations (Tugraham). But it was also a period of hard times financially, medically and most of all a time of fear (Harris). After emancipation a small amount of former slaves were able to own their own land (Harris). Although ownership of land was a means to achieve wealth these former slaves landowners were riddled with crippling debt from acquiring less than desirable land (Lab). The land acquired in some cases was worth far less than the former slave owed for the land (Lab). Former slaves could not afford to get medical attention because of a lack of funds in many cases (Lab). Medical bill would lead to their overall debt and push them even further behind white society (Harris). To offset acquiring debt