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Most African Americans learned the Christian Doctrine but did not know how to read or write. 95% of blacks were considered illiterate at the time.
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John Chavis was the first black college student, and he graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1799. -
Some supporters of African American colonization founded the Ashmun Institute (later named Lincoln University) in Pennsylvania because they knew that most African Americans had little opportunities for a college education. -
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln, the slaves were considered free. Education became a priority for black individuals, and they could attend school. -
African Americans had to go to different schools with less funds than white children. For every $40 spent on the white schools, only $1 was spent on the black schools.
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This case established the "separate but equal" doctrine and mindset. It allowed states to legally segregate different races. [Sound Smart: Plessy v. Ferguson](Historyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj54KP16Ilw) -
There were only 39 public schools for African Americans in the south, and some didn't many didn't have access to schools. For example, North Carolina had 10, but Mississippi had none. -
The U.S. Supreme Court rules that racial segregation in schools is unconstitutional. Brown v. Board of Education - BRI's homework help series -
Ruby Bridges was six years old and chose to attend William Frantz Elementary School. She was escorted by federal marshals. She faced extreme racism while there, and some white parents even kept their children home. -
In 2001, Ruth Simmons was president of Brown University and is considered the first African American president of any Ivy League university.