The Birth Of Racial Etiquette Part II: The Black Codes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (6.6MB)

Eight months after the civil war ended, the U.S. Congress ratified the 13th amendment abolishing slavery in the United States. Although four million or more blacks were no longer enslaved, they were shackled economically.

As a result of a U.S. Supreme Court decision rendered regarding a slave named Dred Scott who lived in St. Louis Missouri, blacks were not recognized as American citizens or having equal rights under the law.

As a result of blacks economic status, the Freeman’s bureau was established to educated and supervise work contracts to ensure that they were paid for their labor.

As a political maneuver, President Andrew Johnson pardoned many of the confederate leaders, retuning their land that had been lost during the war. After regaining their power, these men established the Black Codes and vigilante groups.

Does the U.S. Supreme Court dictate policy?

The clip above narrated by former D.C. Superior Court Judge Evelyn Queen provides us with the details of this part of Black History.

For Spanish and hearing impaired versions, please go to the Febone1960.net Black History Month Calendar
What’s Your Take On The Matter? Register and/or sign in and sound off!

You can also twitter the febone_blog