Freedom was promised for many Americans and immigrants that migrated into the United States. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution allotted few laws and regulations regarding race and class in society. Yet, some of these laws also demeaned and oppressed what were deemed as lower races or social classes at the time. There were those who witnessed the oppression and some who experienced it all their lives who began to speak out against their oppressors. African-Americans had their voices heard by many figureheads of the civil rights movement presented by the works by the likes of W.E.B Du Bois and Langston Hughes. Not only did race affect the type of freedom enjoyed by a few but so did economic standing. Jacob Riis exposed the poverty that was rampant all over the United States at the time and the struggle of survival for many. …show more content…
Though their freedom was granted from slavery a series of laws passed during and after the Reconstruction took away liberties that were granted to middle and upper class whites. These laws abided by classifying African-Americans as, “separate but equal”. This notion was hotly debated by W.E.B Du Bois as well as other civil rights activists. Although growing up in a privileged community where racism was not as severe as the South, Du Bois experienced the harsh reality of Southern blacks during his adult years. He refers to his and others experience of segregation and racism as, “the veil”. The existence of the “veil”, Du Bois believed, hindered the progress of blacks in terms of being truly equal to whites. He stated, “The freedman has not yet found freedom in this promised land.”(Du Bois pg.11). Even after the emancipation of slavery the rights promised to African Americans was, “whittled away by the Supreme Court.” (Foner pg.587). Laws were passed that restricted not only opportunities for blacks but also their everyday