Black People Created American Democracy
America owes much of its success to Black people
On July 4, 1776, America declared its independence and became a self-described democratic nation with a simple motto:
All men are created equal
Yet native tribes who had already lived in North America for over 10,000 years (not a typo) had little rights and were not allowed to vote in elections of this newly formed beacon of freedom. Not until 1924!
Women were not allowed to vote.
Nor were Black people.
In a half dozen Southern states, Jews were prohibited from voting. Even Catholics weren’t allowed to vote in places like South Carolina.
Not much of a democracy, if we’re being intellectually honest.
“Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” from the Declaration of Independence didn’t apply to many. Especially to Black people, most of whom were enslaved.
Yet more than any other group, Black patriots fought to turn America into an actual democratic country.
Since the first enslaved African arrived on America’s shores in 1526 (not 1619), Black people have fought relentlessly for freedom and democracy on this continent while few others have.
