African American Women in Victorian America: An Abridged Annotated Article

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The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was a time of significant social, political, and economic change. For African American women, this period presented both challenges and opportunities. They faced systemic racism, discrimination, and limited access to education and employment, yet they also made important contributions to society and fought for their rights.

Accomplished: African-American Women in Victorian America (Abridged, Annotated)

by Monroe A. Majors

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
Hardcover	:	290 pages
Item Weight	:	1.38 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 0.94 x 8.27 inches
File size	:	687 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	413 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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**Challenges**

African American women in Victorian America faced numerous challenges. They were subjected to the same racial discrimination as African American men, including laws that segregated them from whites in public spaces, limited their educational and employment opportunities, and denied them the right to vote.

**Image: Harriet Tubman, a leading abolitionist and suffragette, was a symbol of strength and resilience for African American women.**

**Education and Employment**

Few African American women had access to higher education. In 1870, only 0.6% of African Americans over the age of 10 were enrolled in college. The majority of African American women worked in low-paying jobs, such as domestic service, laundry, and agriculture.

**Resistance and Activism**

Despite the challenges they faced, African American women in Victorian America actively resisted racism and fought for their rights. They formed organizations such as the National Association of Colored Women and the National Federation of Afro-American Women to advocate for education, employment, and social justice.

**Image: Sojourner Truth, a prominent abolitionist and women's rights activist, was known for her powerful speeches.**

**Literature and Culture**

African American women also made significant contributions to Victorian literature and culture. Authors such as Ann Plato, Frances E. W. Harper, and Zora Neale Hurston wrote about the experiences of African Americans in the era.

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The Victorian era was a complex time for African American women. They faced significant challenges but also made important contributions to society. Their strength, resilience, and activism helped to shape the history of the United States and continue to inspire generations today.

**References**

* African Americans in Victorian America, National Park Service * African American Women in the Victorian Era, BlackPast.org * African American Women in Victorian Literature, The Atlantic

Accomplished: African-American Women in Victorian America (Abridged, Annotated)

by Monroe A. Majors

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
Hardcover	:	290 pages
Item Weight	:	1.38 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 0.94 x 8.27 inches
File size	:	687 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	413 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE