Free African Americans Dbq Essay

In 1860, a census count took place, the often forgotten free blacks, who had endured the struggle of being thrown into a herd of another kind were then being accounted for. To be free is to have the power to do as one wishes, which was how independent blacks lived in the North with the help of a small population. Not every white man’s right was equally given to free blacks, yet all were free to live their lives. A few had significantly, put their say into politics, made a social standing through peer interaction, and gained an education by breaking the mighty economic barrier.
Whilst many slaves struggled to get through a day, free blacks thrived on a greater level with the political standings they owned. Free male suffrage was sparse, but

Men like Mackay, presumed that “he shall not be free to dine and drink at our board…” (Doc B). There were actions, free blacks couldn't do, but what classified them as free was that they had choices. Instead of mingling at a white’s table, multiple went to church and held meetings there as. They were separated from the white race but were able to understand others with the same background. Within the church everyone had the freedom to assemble in one location, declare important matters, express religious beliefs, and apply the freedoms of petition and press. In a note, it states that “The African Congregational Church...published a newspaper…” (Doc D). Being able to write and publish a newspaper means the opinions of the writers would be read by many, both blacks and whites. All these small actions were expressing the five freedoms as referenced in the first amendment, which was written by white men. The power and freedom free blacks held was small but mighty, not only was a newspaper written, showing how literate blacks could be, there were many more actions taken, as more free blacks had spread their ideas. By putting ideas and opinions out there for everyone to read or hear of, the freedom of blacks was truly pushing towards a great

In a speech made by an African American, a young boy demonstrates his writing and reading skills, “No one will employ me; white boys won't work with me...drudgery and servitude then, are my prospective portion” (Doc C). This young boy had such eloquence in his word structure, he might have had the power to persuade a white to turn his cheek and offer a job. The most remarkable note is that he was the top of his class, meaning he worked hard and was able to learn enough to set a pace for other young boys. The freedom he had to learn was used fully. In a note, it states “...public schooling for both white and free black were very limited (Doc C). This was a severe issue considering a not many were able to afford the cost because of family needs. The parents of the boy who gave the speech must have built a standing house and enough money to send him off. Not often would you see a free black jotting down notes or reading a long paragraph to a peer. The young men had the freedom to learn, free to determine how hard they worked, they weren't forced with a deadly punishment for not going to school. But several did attend school proving that freedom was in the hands of the beholder. In the North, there was a smaller population of free blacks compared to the South opening the up for the most chances.