👸🏿History of Black Women in America Unit 10 – Labor and Economic Power of Black Women

Historical Context

• Slavery and its aftermath shaped the economic landscape for Black women in America
• Reconstruction period (1865-1877) saw brief gains in economic opportunities for Black women
• Jim Crow laws and segregation limited Black women's access to education, jobs, and resources
• The Great Migration (1916-1970) led many Black women to seek employment in northern cities
• World War II opened up new job opportunities for Black women in defense industries
• Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s fought for equal economic rights and opportunities
• Affirmative Action policies in the 1970s aimed to increase Black women's representation in various fields

Key Figures and Movements

• Madame C.J. Walker, entrepreneur and philanthropist, became one of the first self-made female millionaires in America
• Mary McLeod Bethune, educator and civil rights activist, founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935
• Dorothy Height, civil rights and women's rights activist, led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years
• Fannie Lou Hamer, civil rights activist and co-founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party
• Ella Baker, civil rights and human rights activist, played a key role in the NAACP, SCLC, and SNCC
• The National Domestic Workers Union, founded in 1968, advocated for the rights of Black women in domestic service
• The National Black Feminist Organization, founded in 1973, addressed the unique challenges faced by Black women

Labor Patterns and Workforce Participation

• During slavery, Black women were forced to work in fields, households, and skilled trades without compensation
• After emancipation, many Black women worked as sharecroppers, domestic servants, and in agriculture
• Black women were often relegated to low-paying, physically demanding jobs with little room for advancement
• Domestic service remained a significant source of employment for Black women well into the 20th century
  • In 1920, over 40% of Black women in the labor force worked as domestic servants
  • Domestic workers faced long hours, low wages, and often endured sexual harassment and abuse
• Black women's participation in the labor force increased during World War II, with many working in defense industries
• The post-war period saw a decline in industrial jobs for Black women, with many returning to domestic service or clerical work
• The 1960s and 1970s saw an increase in Black women's enrollment in higher education and entry into professional fields

Economic Contributions and Entrepreneurship

• Black women have a long history of entrepreneurship, often starting businesses to provide for their families and communities
• Madame C.J. Walker's hair care products and business model empowered many Black women to become entrepreneurs
• Black women played a significant role in the development of the beauty industry, owning salons and creating products
• Black women's labor in domestic service, agriculture, and manufacturing contributed significantly to the American economy
• Black women's entrepreneurship helped to create jobs and economic opportunities within their communities
  • In the early 20th century, Black women owned businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, and rooming houses
  • These businesses often served as gathering places and support systems for the Black community
• Despite facing discrimination and limited access to capital, Black women continue to be a growing force in entrepreneurship

Challenges and Discrimination

• Black women faced discrimination in hiring, promotions, and wages based on both race and gender
• Occupational segregation limited Black women's access to higher-paying jobs and industries
• Black women often earned lower wages than white women and men in the same positions
• Lack of access to quality education and training programs hindered Black women's economic advancement
• Systemic racism and sexism created barriers to Black women's entrepreneurship, including limited access to loans and capital
• Black women in the workforce often faced sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation by employers
• Discriminatory labor laws and practices, such as exclusion from minimum wage and overtime protections, disproportionately affected Black women

Strategies for Empowerment

• Education has been a key strategy for Black women's economic empowerment
  • Black women's enrollment in higher education increased significantly in the 1960s and 1970s
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a crucial role in educating and empowering Black women
• Collective action and unionization have helped Black women advocate for better working conditions and wages
  • The National Domestic Workers Union fought for the inclusion of domestic workers in labor protections
  • The Coalition of Labor Union Women, founded in 1974, addressed the unique concerns of women and minorities in the labor movement
• Entrepreneurship and business ownership have provided Black women with greater economic autonomy and opportunities
• Mentorship and networking programs have helped Black women navigate career challenges and build professional connections
• Political activism and advocacy have been essential in fighting for policies that support Black women's economic rights

Impact on Family and Community

• Black women's labor and entrepreneurship have been crucial in supporting their families and communities
• Black women's earnings have often been the primary source of income for their households
• Black women's businesses have created jobs and economic opportunities within their communities
• Black women's economic contributions have helped to fund education, housing, and community development initiatives
• Black women's leadership in labor unions and civil rights organizations has advanced economic justice for all
• The economic empowerment of Black women has had a positive impact on the well-being and stability of Black families
• Black women's economic struggles and triumphs have shaped the broader narrative of the African American experience

Legacy and Ongoing Influence

• The legacy of Black women's labor and economic contributions continues to inspire and empower future generations
• Black women's entrepreneurship has paved the way for the growth of Black-owned businesses in the 21st century
• The fight for equal pay and economic justice for Black women remains an ongoing struggle
• Black women's leadership in the labor movement has laid the foundation for more inclusive and equitable workplaces
• The intersectionality of race and gender continues to shape Black women's economic experiences and challenges
• Black women's economic empowerment is crucial for the overall advancement of the African American community
• The resilience and determination of Black women in the face of economic adversity serves as a testament to their strength and perseverance