African Americans In The 19th Century, By W. E. B. Wells

Despite their physical chains being removed, Black Americans during the 19th century entered another form of racialized bondage. Despite facing constant discrimination, three prominent African-American leaders would take note of these issues and formulate tactics on what they believed would improve the black condition. For W.E.B. Dubois, his account of racial subordination is that black individuals are psychologically damaged and conflicted by the ideals of white society. For Ida B. Wells, she asserts that white individuals use violent tactics, specifically lynchings, in order to disrupt the economic advancement of black people. Lastly, Booker T. Washington declares that the institution of slavery has crippled Black people's desire for economic

First, she argues that any form of labor performed by African-Americans used to generate the wealth of society must be extracted. In the section titled Self-Help, Wells asserts that the “white man’s dollar is his god” (Wells 22). Furthermore, Wells acknowledges the economic value of black laborers within America, referring to them as the “backbone” of the country (Wells 57). Consequently, by removing this “backbone” or large labor force from the “the white man's dollar,” this will cripple the economy, giving white leaders no choice but to preserve black bodies. By transplanting the flow of wealth into the pockets of black Americans and removing itself from the dominant society, “the Afro-American can demand and secure his rights” from white oppressors. (Wells 61). Secondly, Wells argues that black Americans should arm themselves in defense of racial violence. Wells goes on to say that “a Winchester rifle should have a place of honor in every black home, and it should be used for that protection which the law refuses to give” (Wells 61). Ultimately by owning a firearm this will instill a sense of fear into white aggressors, compelling them to reevaluate their violent actions. For Wells, guns serve as protection from the unjust legal system and protection from racist