Why did African American urban communities develop?
All people gravitate toward cities because that's where the jobs are.
Ms. Sue is right. Read this:
http://www.amistadresource.org/plantation_to_ghetto/the_great_migration.html
African American urban communities developed as a result of various historical factors and social changes. To understand this, we can examine the following key points:
1. Great Migration: In the early 20th century, millions of African Americans migrated from rural areas in the Southern United States to the urban centers of the North, Midwest, and West. This mass movement, known as the Great Migration, was primarily driven by economic opportunities, along with the desire to escape racial discrimination and violence in the South. The migration led to the growth of African American communities in cities such as Chicago, New York, Detroit, and Los Angeles.
2. Industrialization and Job Opportunities: Many African Americans migrated to urban areas in search of employment opportunities resulting from the industrialization and booming manufacturing sectors in northern cities. The industrial jobs in factories, steel mills, and other sectors attracted African Americans, providing them with better wages and economic prospects than the limited options available in rural areas.
3. Urbanization and Housing Discrimination: African Americans faced systemic racism and discrimination in housing, particularly during the era of segregation. They were often excluded from living in predominantly white neighborhoods due to racial prejudices and restrictive covenants. This led to the concentration of African Americans in certain urban areas, where they established their own communities.
4. Social and Cultural Institutions: As African Americans settled in urban areas, they established social, cultural, and educational institutions to support their communities. These included churches, schools, businesses, newspapers, and civil rights organizations. These institutions played a crucial role in promoting community cohesion, providing essential services, and nurturing African American culture in the face of discrimination.
5. Civil Rights Movement: African American urban communities became significant hubs for the civil rights movement during the mid-20th century. The concentration of African Americans in cities facilitated collective action, organizing, and mobilization to challenge racial segregation, fight for equal rights, and address social inequalities.
In summary, African American urban communities developed due to a combination of factors, including the Great Migration, economic opportunities in industrialized cities, housing discrimination, the establishment of vital institutions, and their integral role in the civil rights movement.