Week 3

Below are the events I chose to discuss for each of the 4 eras.

Part 1

Early Days & Slavery Era (1400's-1865)
Event 1 (1832-1865): "Approximately 75,000 slaves escape to the North and freedom using the Underground Railroad, a system in which free African American and white "conductors," abolitionists, and sympathizers guide, help, and shelter the escapees."

The Underground Railroad system in my opinion reflected unity, collective work, and responsibility among African Americans.

Event 2 (1849): "Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery. She returns to the South and becomes one of the main "conductors" on the Underground Railroad, helping more than 300 slaves to escape."

Harriet Tubman's leadership and passion for helping African Americans impacted their migration patterns, helping her community reach their common goal which was freedom.

Building Democracy Era (1866-1953)
Event 1 (1903): "Sarah Breedlove Macwilliams, better known as Madam C. J. Walker, starts an African American hair-care business in Denver and eventually becomes America's first self-made woman millionaire."

Madam C.J. Walker set the ground for African American women and provided collective self-esteem despite the atrocities and odds held against her during a sensitive and challenging era for African Americans.

Event 2 (1909): "The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is founded by a group of African American and white activists, including W. E. B. Du Bois. Du Bois is the only of the seven African American activists to serve on the NAACP board."

The NAACP was a key component for pushing for the rights and social justice of African Americans, self-determination was vital for this organization's success.

Civil Rights Era (1954-1971)
Event 1 (1963): "More than 200,000 poeple march on Washington, D.C., in the largest civil rights demonstration ever; Martin Luther King, Jr., gives his "I Have a Dream" speech.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington served as a historically influential and inspiring event that united African Americans.

Event 2 (1964): "President Lyndon Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act, which gives the federal government far-reaching powers to prosecute discrimination in employment, voting, and education."

 The Civil Rights Act was a huge stepping stone for African Americans as well as other minorities. This passing of this act helped tremendously in African Americas having better job opportunities as well as educational opportunities.

Modern Times (1972-Present)
Event 1 (1989): "Oprah Winfrey, the first African American woman to host a nationally syndicated (and wildly popular) talk show, founds Harpo Productions to produce her own movies and TV shows. In 2000, Forbes magazine will estimate Winfrey's earnings at $150 million."

Oprah Winfrey has established herself as one of the world's most wealthiest, powerful, and influential woman. Her impact on Black families is tremendous; inspiring women to be successful, hardworking, independent and driven entrepreneurs.

Event 2 (2002): "Halle Berry becomes the first African American woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress, for her performance in Monster's Ball."

Halle Berry's remarkable success as an African American actress has helped open many opportunities and gateways for other African American actors and artists. She has portrayed herself as a positive image in the entertainment business and now in 2014 we see many African American celebrities winning prestigious awards such as Oscar's and Grammy's to name a few.

Part 2
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) and Nia (Purpose) in my opinion played a huge role in the progress of African Americans in the first two eras.

Part 3
In the article on Dynamic Duo, the Nguzo Saba principles that Lawrence Otis Graham and his wife Pamela Thomas-Graham utilize in their everyday lives are Ujima (Collective work & responsibility), Umoja (Unity), and Nia (Purpose). In Harvey's article, the interventions discussed reflect a few principles such as Nia, Ujima, Umoja, Kuumba (Creativity), and last but not least Imani (Faith).