Been in the Storm So Long facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Leon Litwack |
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| Country | US |
| Genre | history |
| Publisher | Knopf |
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Publication date
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1979 |
| Pages | 672 |
| Awards | Pulitzer Prize for History |
| ISBN | 978-0394743981 |
Been in the Storm So Long: The Aftermath of Slavery is an important history book from 1979. It was written by an American historian named Leon Litwack. The book looks closely at the lives of African Americans right after slavery ended. This period began with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.
In 1980, the book won two major awards. It received the American Book Award and the famous Pulitzer Prize for History. This shows how important and well-regarded the book is.
Life After Slavery: A New Beginning?
The year 1863 brought a huge change for millions of enslaved people in the United States. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This document declared that many enslaved people were now free. It was a big step towards ending slavery completely. However, freedom did not mean an easy life for everyone. The years after 1863 were full of challenges.
Freedom's Challenges: What Changed?
After the Emancipation Proclamation, formerly enslaved people faced many new situations. They had to figure out how to live as free citizens. This included finding places to live and ways to earn money. It also meant reuniting families and building new communities. The period after the American Civil War is called Reconstruction. It was a time of great hope and also great difficulty.
Finding Family and Identity
One of the first things many newly freed people did was search for their families. Slavery had often torn families apart. People traveled long distances to find loved ones. They also began to choose their own last names. This was a powerful way to claim their new identity. It showed they were no longer property.
Building New Lives: Homes and Work
Finding work and a place to live was very hard. Many formerly enslaved people became sharecroppers. This meant they farmed land owned by others. They paid rent with a share of their crops. This system often kept them in poverty. Many dreamed of owning their own land. They wanted to be truly independent.
The Importance of Education
Education became incredibly important to newly freed people. During slavery, it was often illegal to learn to read or write. After freedom, people of all ages rushed to schools. They wanted to learn to read the Bible and understand contracts. Many new schools were started for African American children and adults. This desire for knowledge was very strong.
Facing New Obstacles: The Road Ahead
Even with freedom, African Americans faced many new problems. They had to fight for their rights. They also dealt with unfair treatment. The government tried to help, but change was slow.
Laws and Rights: A Slow Change
After the Civil War, the U.S. Constitution was changed. The 13th Amendment ended slavery everywhere. The 14th Amendment gave citizenship to all people born in the U.S. It also promised equal protection under the law. The 15th Amendment gave African American men the right to vote. These were huge steps forward.
Dealing with Discrimination
Despite new laws, many people still faced unfair treatment. Laws called "Black Codes" were created in some states. These laws tried to limit the freedom of African Americans. They made it hard for them to find good jobs or own land. Groups also formed that used violence to scare Black communities. This made life very dangerous for many.
Building Communities and Hope
Even with these challenges, African Americans worked hard to build strong communities. They formed their own churches. Churches became important centers for social life and political action. They also created self-help groups and businesses. These efforts showed their strength and determination. They kept hope alive for a better future.
About the Author: Leon Litwack
Leon Litwack (1929–2024) was a respected American historian. He spent his career studying the history of African Americans. He focused especially on the period after slavery. His work helped many people understand this important time. Litwack was known for using the voices of ordinary people in his books. He used letters, diaries, and interviews. This made his histories feel very real and personal. Been in the Storm So Long is one of his most famous works. It helps us understand the struggles and triumphs of African Americans after slavery.
Images for kids
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First edition cover of Been in the Storm So Long
