African American Women Essay

1238 Words5 Pages

Even though Men wanted women to remain in a more traditional role, over the course of history, American Women have proven to be intelligent, creative and resilient. Women fought for and gained an equal place in society. Learning to adapt to her surroundings in order to achieve the desired results,such as earning the right to vote to equal treatment in the educational and workplace arena, she has proven that she has earned an important role in the world.
In the early years of the United States, Women had no legal presence. Not only could she not vote, be formally educated, or hold a professional career, she was thought to be the property of her father and then her husband. The American Woman was charged with maintaining the home, without the …show more content…

An African American Woman by the name of Mary Church Terrel, a child of freed slaves, was instrumental in forming The National Association of Colored Women in 1896. This group was mainly focused on racial discrimination against black females, but concerned themselves with discrimination of both black women and black men. This group sought to educate black adults and children. In just two years time, there were at least 250 delegates deemed to be largely represented by educated, refined and cultured backgrounds. This was a well organized group consisting of many local branches which in turn were headed by superintendents and committee head members. The efforts were to improve and make better wives and mothers in the thought to create a better life and a more respected race (Jones, …show more content…

This amendment ensured that woman had undeniable equal rights under the law. Many people were afraid of this amendment, and fought its ratification. Conservative southern states were threatened by this amendment and caused its initial defeat at ratification in 1972. 1977 saw that only 3 more states to make the 38 for ratification. 1982 saw the first amendment in history since the Civil War that did pass before expiration. It is believed that though this amendment never passed, Women still have their rights because of other laws and