Vocabulary & Key Terms
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36° 30′ line
The line of latitude that served as the boundary between free and slave states under the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
A. Philip Randolph
A prominent African American labor leader and civil rights activist who organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
Abolition
The movement to end slavery and the slave trade.
Abolitionist
A person who actively campaigned for the abolition of slavery.
Accommodationist
A person who advocated for cooperation and compromise with the existing social and political order rather than radical change or resistance.
Accountability
The obligation to accept responsibility for one's actions and to be answerable for the consequences.
Acre
A unit of measurement for land area, equal to 43,560 square feet or about 4,047 square meters.
Activist
A person who campaigns for social or political change through direct action, protest, or advocacy.
Affirmative Action
Policies or programs designed to address past discrimination and promote equal opportunity for members of disadvantaged groups, often through preferential treatment or quotas in hiring, admissions, or contracting.
African Diaspora
The global dispersion of people of African descent, primarily as a result of the transatlantic slave trade.
Afro-Zionism
A movement that advocates for the resettlement of African Americans in Africa, particularly in the land of Israel, based on the belief in a shared African and Jewish heritage.
Alluvial gold
Gold that has been eroded from its original source and deposited in sedimentary deposits, typically in riverbeds or floodplains.
Almanac
A publication containing weather forecasts, astronomical information, tide tables, and other miscellaneous data, often published annually.
Amazigh peoples
The indigenous Berber peoples of North Africa, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years and speak various Berber languages.
Amnesty
A pardon or forgiveness granted by a government or authority, usually to individuals who have committed political offenses or crimes.
Amy Ashwood
A Jamaican-born activist and organizer who co-founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) with Marcus Garvey and was a leading figure in the Pan-African movement.
Andrew Johnson
The 17th President of the United States (1865-1869) who succeeded Abraham Lincoln after his assassination and oversaw the early Reconstruction period following the Civil War.
Angela Davis
An American political activist, scholar, and author known for her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, her affiliation with the Black Panther Party and the Communist Party USA, and her advocacy for prison abolition and racial justice.
Antebellum
A term used to describe the period of time before the Civil War in the United States, particularly in the South, when slavery was legal and the plantation economy dominated.
Anti-Miscegenation
Laws or policies prohibiting interracial marriage or sexual relations between people of different races.
Appeal
A formal request to a higher court to review and overturn a decision made by a lower court.
Appropriations
The allocation of funds or resources by a legislative body for specific purposes or programs.
Armory
A place where weapons and military equipment are stored, maintained, or manufactured.
Articles of compact
A formal agreement or treaty between two or more parties, often binding them to specific obligations or terms.
Articles of Confederation
The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1777 and replaced by the Constitution in 1789, which established a weak central government and granted significant powers to the individual states.
Assimilation
The process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms, values, and practices of another group or society, often at the expense of their own cultural identity.
Atlanta Compromise
A speech delivered by Booker T. Washington at the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta in 1895, in which he advocated for African Americans to temporarily accept social segregation and focus on economic self-improvement and vocational education.
Atlas Mountains
A mountain range in North Africa, stretching across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, and forming a natural barrier between the Mediterranean coast and the Sahara Desert.
Bambuk
A region in West Africa known for its gold mines and the production of alluvial gold.
Bard
A poet, singer, or storyteller who preserves and performs the oral traditions, history, and culture of a community or society.
Benefactor
A person who provides financial or other assistance to support a cause, organization, or individual.
Benevolence
The quality of being kind, generous, and charitable towards others.
Bight of Benin
A large bay on the coast of West Africa, bounded by Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana, and historically known for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Black Church
A term used to describe the historically African American churches in the United States, which have played a central role in the social, cultural, and political life of African American communities.
Black Diaspora
The dispersion of people of African descent around the world
Black Nationalism
A political and social movement advocating for the empowerment, self-determination, and liberation of African Americans, often through the promotion of black pride, unity, and separatism.
Black Panther Party for Self Defense
A revolutionary socialist organization founded in 1966 by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, known for its advocacy of armed self-defense, community organizing, and social justice initiatives.
Black Power
A political slogan and movement advocating for black pride, self-determination, and empowerment, particularly in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
Black power movement
A social and political movement of the 1960s and 1970s advocating for racial pride, self-determination, and liberation for African Americans, often through direct action, community organizing, and cultural expression.
Booker T. Washington
An African American educator, author, and leader of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his advocacy
Boycott
A coordinated refusal to buy, use, or participate in something as a form of protest or pressure, often to achieve social, political, or economic goals.
Broadside
A large sheet of paper printed on one side, typically containing a public notice, announcement, or advertisement.
Brown v. Board of Education
A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson.
Buré
A temporary shelter or dwelling used by African American sharecroppers and tenant farmers in the southern United States, typically made of wood, thatch, or other locally available materials.
Canary Islands
A group of volcanic islands off the northwest coast of Africa, politically part of Spain, and historically significant as a staging area for the transatlantic slave trade.
Cape Verde
An archipelago off the coast of West Africa
Caricature
A simplified or exaggerated depiction of a person or thing, often used for comic effect or to emphasize certain features or traits.
Carpetbagger
A person from the northern states who went to the southern states after the Civil War to profit from the Reconstruction era, often seen as opportunistic or exploitative.
Caste
A social class or group into which people are born and from which they cannot usually move, often based on factors such as race, ethnicity, occupation, or religion.
Cession
The act of surrendering or transferring territory, typically as a result of war, treaty, or negotiation.
Chafferyman
A person who separates wheat or other grain from chaff using a chaffing machine.
Changemaker
A person who works to effect positive social change and improve the lives of others.
Chattel slavery
A system of slavery in which enslaved people are treated as property and can be bought, sold, or inherited like other forms of property.
City
A large and densely populated urban area characterized by significant economic, cultural, and political activity, as well as infrastructure and institutions such as government, commerce, and education.
Civil Disobedience
The refusal to comply with certain laws, regulations, or commands as a form of peaceful protest or moral objection, often with the intention of challenging unjust or oppressive systems.
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Landmark legislation passed by the United States Congress that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and ended segregation in public places and employment practices.
Civil Rights Movement
A social and political movement of the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans and securing equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.
Civil unrest
A state of public disorder, rioting, or protest characterized by violence, lawlessness, or disruption of the social order.
Civil War
A war fought between opposing groups within the same country or nation, typically over issues of governance, sovereignty, or territorial control.
Civilian Conservation Corps
A New Deal program established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 that provided employment and conservation work for unemployed young men during the Great Depression, focusing on projects such as reforestation, soil conservation, and park development.
Civilized
Having an advanced and developed culture, society, or way of life, often contrasted with perceived primitiveness or barbarism.
Claude McKay
A Jamaican-born writer and poet of the Harlem Renaissance known for his poetry, novels, and essays exploring themes of race, identity, and social justice.
Climate Change
The long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns in a region or across the globe, often attributed to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialization.
Code Noir
A legal code enacted by the French colonial government in the 17th and 18th centuries regulating the institution of slavery and the treatment of enslaved people in the French colonies, particularly in the Caribbean.
Collective Bargaining
The negotiation of wages, benefits, and working conditions between employers and labor unions on behalf of workers, typically through a formal bargaining process.
Collier
A person who works in a coal mine, typically extracting coal from underground seams or deposits.
Colonization
The process by which one country or nation establishes control over a foreign territory, often with the aim of settlement, exploitation, or resource extraction.
Colony
A territory or region under the political control or jurisdiction of another country or nation, typically established through colonization or settlement.
Colorism
Prejudice or discrimination based on skin color, particularly within the same racial or ethnic group, often favoring lighter-skinned individuals
Commission
A formal appointment or authorization to perform a task or fulfill a duty, often given by a governing body or authority.
Commissioner
A person appointed or elected to a position of authority, typically to oversee or regulate a particular area of activity or administration.
Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity
A committee established to monitor and enforce policies related to equal employment opportunity, particularly with regard to preventing discrimination and ensuring fairness and equity in hiring, promotion, and employment practices.
Compromise
An agreement or settlement of a dispute or conflict reached through mutual concession or concession.
Confederacy
A union or alliance of states, nations, or parties for a common purpose or goal, often used to refer to the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.
Congo River
A major river in Central Africa, flowing through the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo, and one of the longest rivers in Africa.
Contract
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties, typically involving the exchange of goods, services, or obligations.
Cooper
A person who makes or repairs barrels, casks, and other wooden containers, typically used for storing or transporting liquids such as wine, whiskey, or water.
Corruption
Dishonest or unethical behavior, often involving bribery, fraud, or abuse of power for personal gain.
Countee Cullen
An African American poet, novelist, and playwright associated with the Harlem Renaissance, known for his lyrical poetry and exploration of themes such as race, identity, and love.
Crop Lien System
An agricultural credit system prevalent in the southern United States after the Civil War, in which sharecroppers and tenant farmers obtained credit from merchants and landlords in exchange for a lien on their crops.
Cultural Heritage
The legacy of physical artifacts, traditions, customs, practices, and knowledge passed down from generation to generation within a community or society, often considered an important aspect of cultural identity and heritage.
Defendant
A person or entity against whom a legal action or lawsuit is brought, typically in a civil or criminal proceeding.
Democratic Participation
The active involvement of citizens in the democratic process, including voting, political engagement, and participation in public affairs and decision-making.
Desert
A dry, barren, and often sandy landscape with little or no vegetation, typically characterized by extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Destitute
Lacking the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, and clothing, often as a result of poverty or deprivation.
Diane Nash
An African American civil rights activist and leader of the Civil Rights Movement, known for her role in organizing and leading nonviolent protests, sit-ins, and Freedom Rides.
Diaspora
The dispersion or scattering of a people or population from their original homeland or place of origin, often used to refer to the global dispersion of people of African descent.
Discrimination
The unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
Disenfranchise
To deprive someone of the right to vote or participate in the political process, often through legal or administrative means.
Disenfranchisement
The state or condition of being deprived of the right to vote or participate in the political process.
Disseminate
To spread or distribute information, ideas, or knowledge widely to a large audience or population.
Dissenting Opinion
A written opinion or statement issued by a judge or justice who disagrees with the majority decision in a court case, often outlining alternative legal reasoning or arguments.
Djeli/Jeli
A West African oral historian, storyteller, and musician who preserves and performs the history, culture, and traditions of their community through music, song, and storytelling.
Double consciousness
A concept introduced by W.E.B. Du Bois to describe the experience of African Americans in the United States, characterized by a sense of "twoness" or dual identity, as they navigate between their African heritage and American citizenship.
Double Victory Campaign
A slogan and campaign during World War II advocating for victory over fascism abroad and victory over racism and discrimination at home, particularly in employment and civil rights.
Dred Scott Decision
A Supreme Court decision in 1857 that ruled that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, could not be considered citizens of the United States and therefore had no standing to sue in federal court.
Due Process
The legal principle that ensures fair and impartial treatment in legal proceedings, including the right to notice, a hearing, and a fair trial before being deprived of life, liberty, or property.
Dugout canoe
A type of boat or watercraft made by hollowing out a single log or tree trunk, often used by indigenous peoples for fishing, transportation, and travel along rivers and coastlines.
Editorial
A newspaper article or opinion piece written by the editorial board or staff of a publication, expressing the collective opinion or viewpoint of the publication on a particular issue or topic.
Elaine Brown
An American activist, author, and former chairwoman of the Black Panther Party, known for her leadership and advocacy for social justice, civil rights, and gender equality.
Ella Baker
An African American civil rights activist and organizer, known for her leadership and grassroots organizing work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and other civil rights organizations.
Emancipate
To set free or liberate someone from slavery, bondage, or oppression.
Emancipated
Freed from slavery or bondage, often through legal or formal means.
Emancipation
The act of setting free or liberating someone from slavery, servitude, or oppression, often through legal or formal means.
Emancipation Proclamation
An executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, during the Civil War, declaring that all enslaved people in Confederate-controlled territory were to be freed.
Embargo
A government order or restriction prohibiting trade with a particular country or group of countries, often as a form of economic or political pressure.
Emigrants
People who leave their country or region to settle permanently in another, often in search of better opportunities, living conditions, or political freedoms.
Emigration / Emigrate
The act of leaving one's own country or region to settle permanently in another, often in search of better opportunities, living conditions, or political freedoms.
Empire
A group of territories or nations under the control or domination of a single ruler, government, or authority, often characterized by extensive territorial expansion, political influence, and cultural assimilation.
Enfranchisement
The granting or restoration of the right to vote or participate in the political process, often after being disenfranchised or excluded.
Enslavement
The act of making someone a slave or subjecting them to slavery, bondage, or involuntary servitude.
Epic
A long narrative poem or story recounting the adventures, deeds, and achievements of heroic or legendary figures, often embodying the values, beliefs, and cultural heritage of a people or society.
Equal protection
A legal principle enshrined in the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This principle prohibits discrimination and ensures that all individuals are entitled to equal treatment under the law, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. Equal protection requires that laws and government policies be applied fairly and without unjustifiable distinctions or classifications, and it serves as a cornerstone of civil rights and antidiscrimination law, promoting equality and justice for all citizens.
Ericka Huggins
An American activist, educator, and former leader of the Black Panther Party, known for her involvement in the civil rights and black liberation movements, as well as her advocacy for social justice, education, and community empowerment.
Executive Order 10925
An executive order issued by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, which established the Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity (CEEO) and mandated that government contractors take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. This order marked a significant milestone in the advancement of civil rights and equal opportunity in the United States.
Exodus
A mass departure or migration of people from one place to another, often in search of better living conditions, economic opportunities, or freedom from oppression or persecution.
Exodusters
A term referring to African Americans who migrated from the Southern United States to Kansas and other western states during the late 19th century, particularly following the end of Reconstruction and the promise of land ownership and freedom in the West.
Expatriate
A person who lives outside their native country or country of citizenship, often by choice or for professional or personal reasons, and may be referred to as an expat.
Falem River
A river in West Africa, located in Guinea-Bissau, known for its ecological significance and as a water source for local communities and ecosystems.
Fannie Lou Hamer
An African American civil rights activist and leader, known for her grassroots organizing, voter registration efforts, and advocacy for social and political equality, particularly for African Americans in the Mississippi Delta region.
Fascism
A political ideology characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and totalitarianism, often associated with dictatorial rule, suppression of dissent, and the glorification of militarism and state power.
Federal
Relating to a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces, typically characterized by a written constitution and a distribution of powers and responsibilities among different levels of government.
Federal Writers Project
A New Deal program established by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, which employed writers, historians, and researchers to document and preserve American history, culture, and folklore through various publications and projects.
Field Order No. 15
A military order issued by Union General William T. Sherman in 1865, during the Civil War, which allocated confiscated land along the southern coast of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida for the settlement of formerly enslaved African Americans. This order is also known as the "40 Acres and a Mule" promise, although it was later revoked by President Andrew Johnson.
Fifteenth Amendment
An amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1870, which prohibits the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This amendment extended suffrage to African American men and aimed to ensure their political participation and rights as citizens.
Fifth Amendment
An amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects various rights of individuals involved in legal proceedings, including the right to due process of law, protection against self-incrimination, and the guarantee that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
Fourteenth Amendment
An amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1868, which grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and guarantees equal protection under the law and due process of law to all citizens. This amendment played a crucial role in advancing civil rights and ensuring equal treatment for African Americans following the Civil War.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
The 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945, who led the country through the Great Depression and World War II. Roosevelt's presidency was marked by his New Deal programs, which aimed to combat economic hardship, promote recovery and reform, and expand the role of the federal government in addressing social and economic challenges.
Free-soiler
A member or supporter of the Free Soil Party, a political party in the United States during the mid-19th century that opposed the expansion of slavery into the western territories and advocated for free soil, free labor, and free men.
Freedmen’s Bureau
Also known as the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, a federal agency established by Congress in 1865 during the Reconstruction era to assist formerly enslaved African Americans and impoverished whites in the South with education, employment, health care, and other social services. The Freedmen's Bureau played a significant role in supporting the transition from slavery to freedom and promoting civil rights and equality in the post-Civil War South.
Freedom seeking
The pursuit of freedom, liberty, or independence from oppression, tyranny, or unjust authority, often through resistance, rebellion, or advocacy for social and political change.
Fugitive
A person who has escaped from custody, captivity, or servitude, often to avoid arrest, capture, or punishment.
Fugitive Slave Law
Any of several laws enacted in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries, which required the return of escaped enslaved people to their owners or masters, and imposed penalties on those who assisted or harbored fugitive slaves. The most infamous Fugitive Slave Law was part of the Compromise of 1850, which heightened tensions between the North and South over the issue of slavery.
Gambia River
A major river in West Africa, flowing through the Gambia and Senegal, and serving as a vital waterway for transportation, trade, and agriculture in the region.
Gang labor
A system of labor in which groups of workers, often organized into gangs or crews, work together under the supervision of a leader or overseer, typically in agricultural or industrial settings. Gang labor was commonly used in plantation agriculture, mining, and construction during the antebellum period and post-Civil War era in the United States.
Gao
A city in Mali, located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, historically significant as a center of trade, commerce, and Islamic scholarship in West Africa, particularly during the medieval period.
Ghana
A country in West Africa, bordered by Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, and the Gulf of Guinea, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and as the site of ancient African civilizations, including the Ghana Empire, from which the country derives its name.
Ghetto
A segregated residential area, typically inhabited by a minority group, often characterized by poverty, overcrowding, and social marginalization, resulting from discriminatory housing practices, economic inequality, and systemic racism.
Gold
A precious metal valued for its rarity, beauty, and economic significance, often used in jewelry, coinage, and as a store of value. Gold has been sought after and mined by civilizations throughout history for its monetary, aesthetic, and symbolic properties.
Gradualism
A policy or approach characterized by gradual or incremental change, as opposed to sudden or abrupt transformation, often applied in social, political, or economic contexts to achieve reform or progress over time.
Great Depression
A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, marked by widespread unemployment, poverty, bank failures, and reduced economic activity, and considered one of the most devastating periods of economic hardship in modern history.
Great Migration
A mass movement of African Americans from the rural Southern United States to the urban North and Midwest between the early 20th century and the 1970s, driven by factors such as racial segregation, economic opportunities, and the promise of a better life in Northern cities.
Griot
A West African storyteller, oral historian, and musician who preserves and transmits the oral traditions, history, and cultural heritage of their community through music, song, and storytelling, often serving as a repository of knowledge and wisdom.
Gromettoes
This term does not appear to have a widely recognized definition. It may be a specific term or reference to a particular concept or context.
Guinea
A country in West Africa, bordered by Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and significant mineral resources, including bauxite and gold.
Gulf of Guinea
A geographical region in West Africa, located along the Atlantic Ocean coast, known for its strategic importance, maritime trade routes, and diverse marine ecosystems, as well as its significance for oil and gas production.
Harlem
A neighborhood in the northern section of Manhattan, New York City, historically known for its vibrant African American culture, artistic creativity, and role as a center of the Harlem Renaissance during the early 20th century.
Harlem Renaissance
A cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement that flourished in Harlem, New York City, during the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by a resurgence of African American literature, music, visual arts, theater, and social activism, and representing a period of cultural rebirth and expression for African Americans.
Headwaters
The source or origin of a river or stream, typically referring to the highland or mountainous area where water begins to flow downhill and form the initial channels of a river system.
Homesteader
A person who settles on and cultivates land under the terms of the Homestead Act, a United States federal law enacted in 1862 that provided settlers with free land in the American West in exchange for improving and farming the land.
Hostler
A person who takes care of horses, especially at an inn or stable, or who is responsible for the maintenance and care of locomotives or other equipment at a railway depot or yard.
House Un-American Activities Committee
A congressional committee established in 1938 to investigate and combat subversive activities and alleged Communist influence in the United States, particularly during the Cold War era, often criticized for its controversial investigations and infringement on civil liberties.
Ida B. Wells-Barnett
An African American investigative journalist, educator, and civil rights activist, known for her pioneering work in documenting and exposing the widespread practice of lynching in the United States and for her advocacy for racial and gender equality.
Impressment
The act of forcibly conscripting or recruiting individuals into military service or labor, often practiced by governments or military authorities during times of war or conflict, and historically associated with the British Royal Navy's practice of impressing sailors into service.
Inalienable rights
Fundamental rights that are inherent to all individuals by virtue of their humanity and are considered inviolable, including rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as articulated in the United States Declaration of Independence. Inalienable rights are often viewed as natural or God-given and cannot be legitimately taken away or transferred by governments or other authorities.
Industrial Revolution
A period of major economic, technological, and social transformation that began in Britain in the late 18th century and spread to other parts of the world, characterized by the transition from agrarian and handicraft-based economies to industrialized economies based on mechanized manufacturing, urbanization, and the use of steam power and machinery.
Infringement
The action of violating or encroaching upon the rights, property, or interests of others, often through unauthorized use, reproduction, or exploitation of intellectual property, such as patents, copyrights, or trademarks.
Inland
Located or situated away from the coast or shoreline, often referring to areas or regions located within a country's interior, away from major bodies of water or maritime trade routes.
Insurrection
A violent uprising, rebellion, or revolt against established authority or government, often characterized by armed resistance, civil disobedience, or insurgency, and aimed at overthrowing or challenging existing political, social, or economic systems.
Intangible
Not physical or concrete in nature, often referring to things that cannot be touched, seen, or perceived directly through the senses, such as ideas, concepts, emotions, or intellectual property.
Integrated
Characterized by the inclusion or incorporation of diverse or different elements, groups, or individuals into a unified whole, often used to describe processes or systems that promote equality, diversity, and cooperation among people of different backgrounds or identities.
Interloper
A person who intrudes or interferes in a situation or activity without invitation or authorization, often seen as an unwelcome or disruptive presence, particularly in social, political, or professional contexts.
Intersectionality
A theoretical framework or concept that recognizes the interconnectedness and overlapping nature of social identities, experiences, and forms of discrimination, particularly with regard to race, gender, class, sexuality, and other dimensions of identity, and highlights the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals who belong to multiple marginalized or oppressed groups.
Islam
A monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, as revealed in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and practiced by Muslims worldwide. Islam emphasizes submission to the will of God (Allah), the five pillars of faith and practice, and principles of social justice, morality, and compassion.
James Weldon Johnson
An African American author, poet, educator, and civil rights activist, known for his contributions to literature, music, and social justice, including his leadership of the NAACP and his authorship of the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black national anthem.
Jazz
A genre of music originating in the United States, characterized by improvisation, syncopation, swing rhythm, and a fusion of African and European musical traditions, and considered one of America's original art forms, with significant cultural and historical influence.
Jenne-Jeno
An archaeological site in Mali, located near the city of Djenné, and considered one of the earliest urban settlements in sub-Saharan Africa, dating back to the first millennium BCE.
Jim Crow
A system of racial segregation and discrimination that prevailed in the Southern United States from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, characterized by laws, policies, and practices that enforced racial separation and promoted white supremacy, particularly in public facilities, accommodations, and institutions.
Jo Ann Robinson
An African American civil rights activist and educator, known for her role in organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and her advocacy for racial equality and social justice, particularly in the fight against segregation and discrimination in the United States.
John F. Kennedy
The 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963, known for his leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis, his commitment to civil rights and social justice, and his vision of progress and innovation, as articulated in initiatives such as the New Frontier program.
Judicial review
The power of a court to review and potentially invalidate laws, regulations, or government actions that are deemed unconstitutional or exceed the authority granted by the constitution, allowing courts to interpret and apply the law and serve as a check on the legislative and executive branches of government.
Jurisdiction
The legal authority or power of a court, government agency, or other entity to hear and decide cases, enforce laws, or exercise authority over a particular geographic area or subject matter, often defined by statute, constitution, or common law principles.
Justice
The principle of fairness, equity, and moral rightness in the application of laws, rules, or social practices, and the impartial treatment of individuals and groups, often associated with concepts of legal, social, and distributive justice, as well as with notions of rights, equality, and human dignity.
Kathleen Cleaver
An African American lawyer, professor, and civil rights activist, known for her involvement in the Black Panther Party and her advocacy for racial equality, gender justice, and social change, particularly in the context of the Black Power movement and the struggle against systemic racism and oppression.
Kerner Report
A landmark report issued by the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders in 1968, also known as the Kerner Commission, which investigated the causes of racial unrest and urban uprisings in the United States and called for comprehensive reforms to address poverty, discrimination, and inequality in American society.
King Nzinga
A ruler of the Kingdom of Kongo in Central Africa during the late 15th century, known for his efforts to promote Christianity and diplomatic relations with European powers, as well as for his resistance to Portuguese colonialism and efforts to maintain the independence and sovereignty of the Kongo Kingdom.
Kingdom
A political entity or state ruled by a monarch or king, often characterized by a centralized government, hereditary leadership, and territorial sovereignty, and historically prevalent in various regions and cultures throughout the world.
Kongo
A historical kingdom and region in Central Africa, located in present-day Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Republic of the Congo, known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant trade networks, and interactions with European explorers and traders during the Age of Exploration.
Ku Klux Klan
A white supremacist hate group founded in the United States in the 19th century, known for its promotion of white nationalism, racial segregation, and violence against African Americans, immigrants, and other marginalized groups, and for its use of intimidation, terrorism, and cross burning as tactics of racial terror and oppression.
Kumbi-Saleh
A medieval trading city and capital of the Ghana Empire in West Africa, located in present-day Mauritania, known for its wealth, prosperity, and strategic importance as a center of trans-Saharan trade and Islamic scholarship.
Labor Union
An organized association or collective of workers in a particular industry, trade, or profession, formed to protect and promote the interests of its members, negotiate wages and working conditions with employers, and advocate for labor rights, workplace safety, and social justice.
Langston Hughes
An African American poet, writer, and playwright, known for his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and his exploration of African American culture, identity, and social issues through his poetry, essays, and plays, including works such as "The Weary Blues" and "Montage of a Dream Deferred."
Legacy
Something handed down or inherited from the past, often referring to traditions, values, beliefs, achievements, or material possessions that are passed from one generation to another and shape the identity, culture, or impact of individuals, families, communities, or civilizations.
Legislature
The branch of government responsible for making laws, often consisting of elected representatives or lawmakers who debate, draft, and enact legislation, and oversee the operation of government, typically organized into two houses or chambers, such as a bicameral legislature.
Literacy
The ability to read, write, and understand written language, and to comprehend, analyze, and communicate information effectively through written texts, often considered a fundamental skill necessary for education, communication, and participation in society.
Lottery
A gambling or gaming system in which prizes or rewards are distributed to participants based on chance or random selection, typically through the drawing of numbers or other means of randomization, and often used for fundraising, entertainment, or incentivizing participation.
Louisiana Purchase of 1803
A historic land deal in which the United States acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France, doubling the size of the country and extending its western boundary to the Mississippi River, and representing one of the most significant territorial acquisitions in American history.
Lycence to Trade
A license or permit issued by a government or authority allowing individuals or businesses to engage in commercial activities, trade goods, or provide services within a specified jurisdiction, often subject to regulations, taxes, or restrictions imposed by the issuing authority.
Lynching
An extrajudicial act of violence and murder, typically involving the illegal hanging or killing of a person by a mob or group of individuals, often motivated by racial, religious, or social prejudice, and historically used as a tool of racial terror, intimidation, and social control, particularly against African Americans in the United States.
Lyndon B. Johnson
The 36th President of the United States, serving from 1963 to 1969, who succeeded to the presidency following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and known for his leadership during the Civil Rights Movement, his Great Society programs, and his escalation of the Vietnam War.
Majority opinion
The collective opinion or viewpoint held by the majority of members or participants in a group, organization, or society, often influencing decision-making, policy formation, or public discourse, and representing the prevailing perspective or consensus among the majority of individuals.
Mali
Mali is a landlocked country located in West Africa, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and ancient empires. It gained independence from France in 1960
Mande (people)
An ethnic group primarily located in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Gambia. The Mande people have a rich cultural heritage, including traditions of music, art, and oral history, and have made significant contributions to the history and civilization of the region.
Mande Charter
A historical document attributed to the Mande people of West Africa, which outlines principles of governance, social organization, and customary law, and serves as a foundational text for understanding Mande society and political institutions.
Mansa Musa
A 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire in West Africa, known for his wealth, power, and influence, particularly as a patron of Islamic scholarship, trade, and culture, and for his famous pilgrimage to Mecca, during which he distributed gold and gifts, earning him a reputation as one of the richest individuals in history.
Manumission
The act of granting freedom or emancipation to enslaved individuals or slaves, often through legal or formal means, such as a deed of manumission or a declaration of emancipation, and representing a significant step towards the abolition of slavery and the recognition of human rights and dignity.
Manuscripts
Handwritten documents, texts, or books, typically produced before the invention of printing or in limited quantities, and often valued for their historical, cultural, or artistic significance, including religious scriptures, literary works, historical records, and scientific treatises.
Marita Bonner
An African American writer, essayist, and playwright, known for her contributions to African American literature and her exploration of themes such as race, gender, identity, and social justice, particularly in works such as "The Pot Maker" and "The Purple Flower."
Martyrdom
The suffering, persecution, or sacrifice endured by individuals who are killed or persecuted for their beliefs, principles, or cause, often associated with religious or political martyrdom, and regarded as a symbol of courage, devotion, and moral integrity.
Mason-Dixon Line
A boundary line historically marking the border between the Northern and Southern United States, particularly between Pennsylvania and Maryland, and associated with the division between free states and slave states prior to the Civil War, as well as with regional differences in culture, politics, and attitudes.
Migration
The movement of people from one place to another, often involving the relocation or resettlement of individuals or groups across geographical, political, or cultural boundaries, and motivated by factors such as economic opportunity, political instability, environmental conditions, or social change.
Missouri Compromise
A legislative agreement reached in 1820 by the United States Congress, which admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while also prohibiting slavery in the northern territories of the Louisiana Purchase above the 36°30′ parallel, and aimed at maintaining a balance between free and slave states in the Union.
Monopolies
A situation in which a single company or entity controls or dominates a particular market or industry, often to the detriment of competition, consumer choice, and economic efficiency, and typically characterized by high prices, limited options, and reduced innovation.
Montgomery Bus Boycott
A civil rights protest and mass demonstration that took place in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955-1956, sparked by the arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus, and led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., aimed at desegregating the city's public transportation system and challenging racial segregation and discrimination.
Mulatto
An outdated and derogatory term historically used to describe individuals of mixed racial ancestry, particularly African and European descent, and associated with racial classification, discrimination, and stigmatization, often replaced by more respectful and accurate terms such as biracial or mixed-race.
NAACP
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a civil rights organization founded in 1909 with the mission of promoting racial equality, ending racial discrimination, and securing the civil rights of African Americans and other marginalized groups in the United States, through litigation, advocacy, and grassroots organizing.
Nation of Islam
A religious and political organization founded in the United States in the 1930s, which promotes Islamic teachings, black nationalism, and self-determination for African Americans, and advocates for social, economic, and political empowerment within the black community, under leaders such as Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X.
Ndongo
A historical kingdom and region in West Africa, located in present-day Angola, known for its resistance to Portuguese colonialism and involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, and for its role in the history of the African diaspora and African-European relations.
New Deal
The New Deal was a series of programs, policies, and reforms enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration in the United States during the 1930s in response to the Great Depression. It aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform to the American people and the economy.
New Great Migration
The movement of African Americans from the Southern United States to Northern and Western cities during the mid-20th century, particularly between the 1940s and 1970s, in search of economic opportunities, better living conditions, and escape from racial segregation and discrimination. This migration represented a significant demographic shift and contributed to the growth of urban African American communities in cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles.
New Negro
A term associated with the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s, reflecting a renewed sense of racial pride, self-determination, and cultural identity among African Americans, as well as a rejection of racial stereotypes and a call for social and political equality. The New Negro movement encompassed artistic, literary, and intellectual expressions of African American identity and empowerment, and contributed to the emergence of a new generation of black leaders, thinkers, and activists.
Newlight preacher
A term historically used to describe evangelical Christian ministers or preachers associated with the New Light movement, a religious revival and reform movement that emerged in the American colonies during the 18th century, emphasizing personal conversion, emotional worship, and revivalist preaching, and influencing the development of evangelicalism and Protestantism in the United States.
Niani
A historical city and capital of the Mali Empire in West Africa, located along the Niger River, and known for its significance as a political, cultural, and commercial center of the empire, as well as its role in trans-Saharan trade and Islamic scholarship during the medieval period.
Niger River
The principal river of West Africa, flowing approximately 4,180 kilometers (2,600 miles) in a crescent-shaped course through several countries, including Guinea, Mali, Niger, Benin, and Nigeria, and serving as a vital waterway for transportation, agriculture, and commerce, as well as a source of livelihood for millions of people in the region.
Nonviolent civil rights movement
A social and political movement in the United States during the mid-20th century, characterized by nonviolent protest, civil disobedience, and grassroots organizing, aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination, securing civil rights and voting rights for African Americans, and challenging systemic racism and injustice in American society. Led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and John Lewis, the nonviolent civil rights movement played a key role in advancing racial equality and social change.
Nonviolent Direct Action
A strategy of social and political activism that involves using nonviolent resistance, protest, and direct action to challenge injustice, oppression, and inequality, and to bring about social change, often associated with movements such as the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and campaigns for human rights and environmental justice. Nonviolent direct action may include tactics such as sit-ins, boycotts, marches, and civil disobedience, and is based on principles of moral and strategic nonviolence.
Nullity
The state or condition of being null or invalid, often referring to a legal or contractual status in which something lacks legal force, effect, or validity, and is considered to have no legal or binding significance, often resulting from a defect, flaw, or violation of law or regulation.
Oasis of Erfoud
A natural oasis located in Erfoud, a town in southeastern Morocco, known for its palm groves, lush vegetation, and natural springs, as well as its historical and cultural significance as a stop along ancient trade routes and a center of Berber and Arab culture. The oasis of Erfoud is a popular tourist destination and is renowned for its scenic beauty and traditional way of life.
Oasis/Oases
An oasis is a fertile area in a desert region, typically characterized by the presence of water, vegetation, and sometimes human settlement, and providing a vital source of sustenance and refuge in an otherwise arid environment. Oases often form around natural springs, wells, or underground aquifers, and support diverse ecosystems and agricultural activities, serving as important hubs for trade, travel, and cultural exchange in desert regions. The plural form is "oases."
Obeisance
A gesture or act of respect, homage, or submission, often involving a bow, curtsy, or other deferential movement or expression, performed as a sign of reverence or acknowledgment of someone's authority, status, or superiority, and commonly practiced in various cultural, religious, and ceremonial contexts.
Once free, always free
A principle or concept asserting that once a person attains freedom or emancipation, they should retain that status permanently and cannot be returned to slavery or servitude, reflecting the belief in the inherent and inalienable right to freedom and the rejection of involuntary servitude or bondage. This principle has been invoked in legal, moral, and philosophical discussions about slavery, abolition, and human rights.
Oppression
The unjust or cruel exercise of power or authority, often by a dominant group or institution, to systematically exploit, marginalize, or subjugate individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status, resulting in deprivation, discrimination, and harm to the oppressed. Oppression can take various forms, including structural, cultural, and interpersonal oppression, and is often associated with systems of inequality and injustice.
Oppressor
A person, group, or institution that exercises power or authority in a manner that oppresses or subjugates others, often through coercion, exploitation, or discrimination, and perpetuates systems of oppression and inequality. Oppressors may hold positions of privilege, dominance, or superiority within a social hierarchy, and use their power to maintain control and suppress dissent among marginalized or disadvantaged groups.
Oral history
The transmission and preservation of historical knowledge, cultural traditions, and personal experiences through spoken narratives, storytelling, and oral tradition, passed down from generation to generation within communities, families, or cultures, and often serving as a primary source of information about the past, particularly in societies without a tradition of written records or formal historiography. Oral history encompasses a wide range of topics and perspectives, including accounts of significant events, social customs, folklore, and personal memories.
Orator
A skilled and eloquent public speaker or rhetorician, known for their ability to articulate ideas, persuade audiences, and inspire action through persuasive speech, rhetoric, and communication, often associated with leadership, advocacy, and public discourse in fields such as politics, religion, and social activism. Orators use language, voice, and gesture to captivate and engage listeners, convey complex ideas, and convey emotion or passion.
Ordinance
A formal rule, regulation, or decree enacted by a governing authority, such as a legislative body, municipal government, or executive agency, and having the force of law within a specified jurisdiction, often used to establish standards, procedures, or restrictions related to public health, safety, welfare, or conduct. Ordinances may cover a wide range of topics, including zoning, traffic, sanitation, taxation, and public order.
Osnaburg
A coarse, plain-woven fabric made from unbleached or lightly bleached cotton or linen fibers, traditionally used for making sacks, bags, clothing, and household textiles, and known for its durability, absorbency, and utility, particularly in rural or industrial settings. Osnaburg fabric is valued for its strength and versatility, and has been historically associated with practical or utilitarian purposes.
Pan-Africanism
A political and social movement advocating for the unity, solidarity, and self-determination of people of African descent worldwide, and the liberation of Africa from colonialism, imperialism, and racial oppression, rooted in principles of African identity, pride, and autonomy, and emphasizing cooperation, collaboration, and mutual support among African and diasporic communities. Pan-Africanism seeks to combat racism, inequality, and exploitation, and promote African cultural, economic, and political empowerment.
Parallel of latitude
An imaginary line on the Earth's surface running parallel to the equator and indicating the angular distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds of latitude, and used to denote specific locations or positions on the globe, particularly in navigation, cartography, and geography.
Paternalism
A social or political system characterized by the exercise of authority, control, or guidance by a paternal figure or authority figure, often in a benevolent or authoritarian manner, and involving the imposition of rules, regulations, or restrictions for the supposed benefit or protection of those considered subordinate or dependent. Paternalism may involve acts of protection, supervision, or interference perceived as intrusive or authoritarian by those affected.
Paternalistic
Relating to or characteristic of paternalism, a social or political system characterized by the exercise of authority, control, or guidance by a paternal figure or authority figure, often in a benevolent or authoritarian manner, and involving the imposition of rules, regulations, or restrictions for the supposed benefit or protection of those considered subordinate or dependent. Paternalistic attitudes or policies may involve acts of protection, supervision, or interference perceived as intrusive or authoritarian by those affected.
Pauli Murray
An African American civil rights activist, lawyer, and writer, known for her pioneering work in advancing gender and racial equality, particularly as a co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the first African American woman ordained as an Episcopal priest. Murray's advocacy and scholarship addressed issues of race, gender, and social justice, and she played a significant role in shaping legal and social reforms in the United States.
Perpetuanoe
The term "Perpetuanoe" does not appear to have a recognized definition. It may be a typographical error or a specific term with limited usage.
Petition
A formal written request or appeal addressed to a person or authority, often signed by multiple individuals or groups, and seeking action, redress, or relief on a particular issue, grievance, or concern, typically submitted with supporting evidence, arguments, or proposals, and used as a means of initiating legal proceedings, influencing policy decisions, or obtaining official responses.
Petitioners
Individuals or groups who submit a petition, formal written request, or appeal to a person or authority, often seeking action, redress, or relief on a particular issue, grievance, or concern, and typically signed by multiple individuals or representatives, and accompanied by supporting evidence, arguments, or proposals. Petitioners may include plaintiffs in legal cases, citizens lobbying for legislative changes, or activists advocating for social reforms.
Philadelphia Plan
A government initiative implemented in the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s to promote equal employment opportunities for minority workers, particularly African Americans, through affirmative action measures, including goals and timetables for hiring and promoting minority employees in federally funded construction projects and contractors. The Philadelphia Plan aimed to address racial discrimination and promote diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
Pictorial map
A type of map or illustration that depicts geographic features, landmarks, and points of interest in a stylized or artistic manner, using pictorial symbols, drawings, or images to represent locations, rather than traditional cartographic symbols or scales, and often incorporating visual elements such as illustrations, icons, or annotations to convey information about geography, culture, or history. Pictorial maps are commonly used for tourism, education, and promotional purposes.
Pig iron
A crude form of iron produced by smelting iron ore in a blast furnace and containing a high carbon content, typically between 3.5% and 4.5%, along with other impurities, and used as a primary source of iron for steelmaking and metallurgical processes, before further refining or processing into wrought iron or steel. Pig iron is characterized by its brittleness, high carbon content, and granular structure.
Piraguas
Small, narrow boats or canoes used for transportation or fishing, particularly in coastal or riverine areas, and traditionally constructed from wood, bark, or other materials, and propelled by paddles, oars, or sails. Piraguas are commonly used by indigenous and coastal communities for fishing, travel, and trade, and play a significant role in maritime cultures and traditions.
Pistole
A former European coin or unit of currency, particularly used in various countries such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal, and originally derived from the Italian "pistole," meaning a small firearm or pistol, and later used to denote a specific denomination of coin, often gold or silver, equivalent to one pistole or varying amounts depending on the issuing authority.
Plaintiff
A party initiating a legal action or lawsuit in a court of law, typically seeking redress, damages, or enforcement of rights or obligations against another party known as the defendant, and responsible for presenting evidence, arguments, and claims in support of their case, under the guidance of legal counsel or representation. Plaintiffs may include individuals, organizations, or entities alleging harm, injury, or violation of legal rights.
Plantation
A large agricultural estate or farm, typically in tropical or subtropical regions, dedicated to the cultivation of cash crops such as sugar, cotton, tobacco, or coffee, and characterized by extensive landholdings, labor-intensive production methods, and hierarchical social structures, including the use of coerced or enslaved labor, historically associated with colonialism, imperialism, and plantation economies.
Plateau
A flat, elevated landform characterized by a relatively level or gently sloping surface, typically situated at a higher elevation than surrounding areas, and often bounded by steep slopes, cliffs, or escarpments, resulting from geological processes such as erosion, uplift, or volcanic activity, and commonly found in continental interiors, mountain ranges, or desert regions. Plateaus may vary in size, elevation, and geological composition, and support diverse ecosystems, habitats, and human settlements.
Plessy v. Ferguson
A landmark legal case decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1896, which upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation and the principle of "separate but equal" facilities, establishing the legal precedent that racial segregation was permissible as long as facilities for African Americans were deemed equivalent to those for white Americans. The Plessy v. Ferguson decision sanctioned racial discrimination and segregation in public accommodations, transportation, and other areas, and remained in effect until it was overturned by the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.
Pock-fretten
"Pock-fretten" does not appear to be a recognized term or phrase. It may be a regional or colloquial expression with limited usage.
Port Royal Experiment
A social and economic initiative implemented by Union authorities during the American Civil War in 1862 on the Sea Islands off the coast of South Carolina, aimed at providing land, education, and economic opportunities to newly emancipated African Americans, as well as addressing issues of labor, land tenure, and citizenship rights in the post-emancipation South. The Port Royal Experiment involved the establishment of schools, churches, and cooperative farming communities, and sought to empower formerly enslaved individuals and promote self-sufficiency and economic independence.
Porter
A person employed to carry luggage, goods, or other heavy loads, typically in a commercial or transportation setting such as a railway station, airport, or seaport, and responsible for loading, unloading, and transporting cargo, often using wheeled carts, hand trucks, or other equipment. Porters may work in various industries, including transportation, hospitality, and logistics, and perform physical labor in handling and moving goods or baggage.
Pound
A unit of weight or mass used in various systems of measurement, typically equivalent to 16 ounces or 0.453 kilograms in the avoirdupois system commonly used in the United States and other countries, and used to measure the weight of objects, commodities, or animals. The pound is subdivided into ounces, and its abbreviation is "lb" or "lbs."
Poythress
Poythress could refer to a surname or a proper noun, but without further context, it's challenging to provide a specific definition.
Precedent
A legal principle, rule, or decision established by a court or authoritative body in a previous case or legal proceeding, and serving as a model or guide for subsequent cases with similar facts or issues, based on the principle of stare decisis, or the doctrine of following precedent. Precedents provide a basis for consistency, predictability, and fairness in the application of law, and help ensure uniformity and coherence in the legal system.
Prejudice
Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions, attitudes, or judgments about individuals or groups, typically based on stereotypes, biases, or unfounded assumptions, and often leading to unfair treatment, discrimination, or hostility toward those perceived as different or inferior. Prejudice can manifest in various forms, including racial prejudice, gender prejudice, religious prejudice, and socioeconomic prejudice, and may be rooted in social, cultural, or psychological factors.
Propaganda
Information, ideas, or messages disseminated with the intent to influence or manipulate public opinion, beliefs, or behavior, often through biased or misleading communication techniques, and aimed at promoting a particular ideology, agenda, or cause, or discrediting opposing viewpoints. Propaganda may be used by governments, political parties, corporations, or other entities to shape perceptions, sway public opinion, or mobilize support for specific goals or policies, and can employ various media channels, including print, broadcast, social media, and advertising.
Queen Njinga
Queen Njinga, also known as Njinga Mbande or Ana de Sousa Nzinga Mbande, was a 17th-century queen and political leader of the Kingdom of Ndongo and Matamba in present-day Angola, known for her military prowess, diplomatic skill, and resistance to Portuguese colonial expansion. Queen Njinga is celebrated for her efforts to defend her kingdom against Portuguese encroachment, negotiate treaties and alliances with neighboring states, and promote cultural and religious independence, and she remains a symbol of resistance and national pride in Angolan history and culture.
Quota
A fixed or predetermined limit, quantity, or proportion established for allocation, distribution, or participation in a particular activity, resource, or opportunity, often set by authorities, regulations, or agreements, and intended to ensure fairness, equity, or control over specific outcomes, such as admissions quotas in educational institutions, import quotas on foreign goods, or production quotas in manufacturing industries. Quotas may be based on factors such as population, market demand, or historical precedent, and can impact access, representation, and competitiveness in various sectors.
Race (as a social construct)
Race is a socially constructed category used to classify human populations based on physical characteristics such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features, and often associated with shared ancestry, culture, or geographic origin, despite lacking biological or genetic basis. The concept of race has been historically used to justify systems of hierarchy, privilege, and discrimination, and has evolved over time to reflect shifting social, political, and cultural contexts, including colonialism, slavery, and scientific racism. Contemporary understandings of race recognize its fluidity, complexity, and cultural variability, and emphasize the social, political, and economic dynamics that shape racial identities and experiences.
Racial terrorism
Racial terrorism refers to acts of violence, intimidation, or coercion perpetrated by individuals, groups, or institutions against people of a particular race or ethnic group, often motivated by prejudice, hatred, or supremacy, and aimed at instilling fear, exerting control, or asserting dominance over targeted populations. Racial terrorism can take various forms, including hate crimes, lynchings, racial profiling, and state-sponsored violence, and has been used throughout history to enforce racial segregation, uphold white supremacy, and suppress movements for racial equality and justice.
Racial uplift
The belief, ideology, or social movement advocating for the moral, intellectual, and economic advancement of racial or ethnic minority groups, particularly African Americans, through education, self-improvement, and collective action, with the goal of combating racism, inequality, and social injustice, and promoting positive representations and achievements within the broader society. Racial uplift emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to racial discrimination and stereotypes, and emphasized the importance of self-help, community empowerment, and cultural pride in achieving racial progress and equality.
Racial Wealth Gap
The disparity in wealth accumulation between different racial groups within a society, resulting from historical discrimination, disparities in access to education and employment opportunities, housing segregation, and systemic racism in financial institutions.
Radical Reconstruction
The period following the American Civil War, from 1865 to 1877, characterized by efforts to reorganize Southern society and address the social and political consequences of slavery. It aimed to promote civil rights, equality, and democracy in the South.
Rations
Provisions of food or supplies distributed by authorities or organizations, typically during times of scarcity, emergencies, or conflicts, to ensure that individuals or populations have access to essential resources to meet their basic needs.
Reconstruction
The period in American history following the Civil War, approximately from 1865 to 1877, where efforts were made to rebuild and transform the Southern states that had seceded from the Union. It aimed to address issues such as the integration of formerly enslaved African Americans into society.
Red Summer of 1919
A period of racial violence and riots in numerous cities across the United States during the summer and early fall of 1919, reflecting heightened racial tensions following World War I and the Great Migration of African Americans to urban areas.
Redlining
The discriminatory practice of denying or limiting financial services, such as loans or insurance, to certain geographic areas, often based on the racial or ethnic composition of those areas, contributing to racial segregation and disparities in housing and credit.
Refugees
Individuals who have been forced to flee their home countries due to persecution, war, violence, or natural disasters, seeking refuge and protection in other countries. They are often unable or unwilling to return to their countries of origin due to fear of persecution or violence.
Relief
Assistance, support, or aid provided to individuals, communities, or populations affected by disasters, emergencies, poverty, or hardship, aimed at addressing immediate needs and promoting recovery and resilience.
Reparations
Compensation or restitution provided to individuals or communities who have been harmed or wronged, typically as a result of historical injustices such as slavery, colonialism, or genocide, aiming to acknowledge past wrongs and promote reconciliation and justice.
Republican
A member or supporter of the Republican Party, one of the two major political parties in the United States, generally associated with conservative and right-leaning ideologies, advocating for limited government intervention, free-market principles, and traditional values.
Respectability politics
Efforts by marginalized or oppressed groups to gain acceptance and respectability within mainstream society by conforming to dominant cultural norms, values, and behaviors, often perpetuating systemic inequalities and undermining collective efforts for social change.
Revolt
Rebellion, uprising, or organized resistance against authority, oppression, or injustice, involving acts of defiance, protest, or disobedience by individuals or groups seeking to challenge existing power structures and bring about social, political, or economic change.
Revolution
Fundamental and transformative change in the political, social, or economic structures of a society, often involving the overthrow or replacement of existing governments or ruling elites, aimed at challenging oppression, injustice, or inequality and establishing new systems of governance or societal order.
Richard Nixon
The 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974, associated with significant domestic and foreign policy initiatives but overshadowed by the Watergate scandal, leading to his resignation from office in 1974.
Rosa Parks
An African American civil rights activist known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, sparking a nonviolent protest movement against racial segregation on public transportation.
Royal African Company
A British trading company chartered in 1672 to engage in the slave trade between Africa and the Americas, holding a monopoly on the English slave trade until 1698.
Sahara
The Sahara is a vast desert in North Africa, spanning several countries including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, and Tunisia. It is the largest hot desert in the world.
Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering approximately 3.6 million square miles in North Africa. It is characterized by vast stretches of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and sparse vegetation.
Sahel
The Sahel is a semi-arid region in Africa, situated between the Sahara Desert to the north and the savannas to the south. It spans several countries, including Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea.
Savannah
A savannah is a grassland ecosystem characterized by scattered trees and shrubs, along with grasses and herbs. Savannas are found in tropical and subtropical regions, typically bordering deserts or forests.
Sawyer
A sawyer is a person who operates a sawmill, typically cutting logs into lumber or timber. The term can also refer to someone who fells trees or trims logs for processing.
Scalawag
A scalawag was a term used during the Reconstruction era in the United States to describe Southern whites who supported the policies of the Republican Party and advocated for civil rights and racial equality.
Scottsboro 9
The Scottsboro 9 refers to nine African American teenagers who were falsely accused of raping two white women on a train in Alabama in 1931. Their case became a symbol of racial injustice and sparked national and international outrage.
Seaman’s Protection Certificates
Seaman’s Protection Certificates were documents issued to American sailors in the early 19th century to prove their citizenship and protect them from impressment by foreign navies.
Segregated
Segregated refers to the enforced separation of different racial, ethnic, or religious groups, typically in public facilities, schools, housing, and transportation, as was common during the era of racial segregation in the United States.
Segregation
Segregation refers to the practice of separating people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics, often resulting in unequal access to resources, opportunities, and public services.
Senegal River
The Senegal River is a major river in West Africa, approximately 1,086 miles long, flowing through Senegal and Mauritania. It plays a significant role in the economies and ecosystems of the region.
Separate but equal
"Separate but equal" was a legal doctrine in the United States that allowed for racial segregation as long as the separate facilities provided for different races were deemed to be of equal quality.
Separated Traders
Separated traders were individuals, often merchants or traders, who operated within segregated trading systems, where certain markets or opportunities were restricted or designated based on racial or ethnic lines.
Separatism
Separatism is the advocacy or movement for the separation or independence of a particular group or region from a larger political entity or state, often based on cultural, ethnic, religious, or political differences.
Septima Clark
Septima Clark was an African American educator and civil rights activist known as the "Queen mother" or "Grandmother" of the American Civil Rights Movement for her pioneering work in adult literacy and citizenship education.
Sharecropping
Sharecropping was an agricultural system prevalent in the Southern United States after the Civil War, in which landless farmers, often formerly enslaved individuals, rented land and equipment from landowners in exchange for a share of the crops grown.
Shiling
The term "shiling" is likely a variant spelling of "shilling," a former unit of currency used in various countries, including Britain and its colonies, equal to one twentieth of a pound.
Sleeping Car
A sleeping car, also known as a sleeper, is a railroad passenger car equipped with sleeping accommodations, such as berths or bunk beds, allowing passengers to sleep during overnight journeys.
Social History
Social history is the study of everyday life, customs, behaviors, and experiences of ordinary people in the past, often focusing on topics such as family, work, leisure, gender, race, class, and social relationships.
Songhai
The Songhai Empire was a powerful pre-colonial African empire that existed in West Africa from the 15th to the 16th century, covering parts of present-day Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was a prominent civil rights organization founded in 1957 by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other Southern ministers to coordinate nonviolent activism for civil rights reform.
Statue
Stereotype
A stereotype is a widely held but oversimplified and generalized belief or idea about a particular group of people, often based on assumptions, prejudices, or limited information, and lacking nuance or accuracy.
Strike
A strike is a collective action by workers who refuse to perform their jobs as a form of protest against workplace conditions, wages, or other grievances, typically organized by labor unions to demand concessions from employers.
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was a civil rights organization founded in 1960 by young activists, primarily students, to coordinate and support nonviolent direct action and voter registration campaigns in the South.
Suffrage
Suffrage refers to the right to vote in political elections, especially as exercised by citizens of a democracy. Suffrage movements advocate for the extension of voting rights to disenfranchised groups, such as women or minorities.
Suit
In legal terms, a suit refers to a civil action or lawsuit brought before a court of law to resolve a dispute or claim between parties, typically seeking damages, compensation, or other legal remedies for perceived injuries or violations.
Sundiata Keita
Sundiata Keita, also known as Sundiata or Sundjata, was a legendary founder and ruler of the Mali Empire in West Africa during the 13th century. He is celebrated for his role in uniting the Mandinka people and establishing Mali as a powerful empire.
Talented Tenth
Coined by W.E.B. Du Bois, the term "Talented Tenth" refers to the belief that a small group of educated and influential African Americans should serve as leaders and advocates for the broader Black community, guiding social and political progress.
Tallmadge Amendment
The Tallmadge Amendment was a proposed amendment to a bill regarding the admission of Missouri as a state in 1819, which sought to restrict the expansion of slavery into the new state and gradually abolish slavery within Missouri.
Tarika Lewis
Tarika Lewis is not a recognized historical figure or term.
Temperance
Temperance refers to moderation or self-restraint, particularly in the consumption of alcohol or other indulgences, as advocated by temperance movements that promote abstinence or limited use for moral, health, or societal reasons.
Tenant Farming
Tenant farming is an agricultural system in which individuals or families rent land from a landowner and cultivate crops or raise livestock on that land in exchange for a portion of the produce or profits. Tenant farmers typically have less control over their farming operations compared to landowners.
Terror tactics
Terror tactics refer to violent or intimidating actions carried out by individuals, groups, or governments to instill fear, coerce obedience, or achieve political, ideological, or social goals. These tactics may include threats, physical violence, bombings, assassinations, or other forms of coercion or harassment.
The Crisis
The Crisis is a magazine founded by W.E.B. Du Bois in 1910 as the official publication of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). It focuses on issues related to civil rights, social justice, and the African American experience in the United States.
Thirteenth Amendment
The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It was a crucial step in ending institutionalized slavery in the United States following the Civil War and emancipating millions of enslaved individuals.
Tilled or Tiller
Tilled or tiller refers to the process of preparing and cultivating soil for planting crops. Tilling involves breaking up and loosening the soil to promote aeration, water penetration, and the incorporation of organic matter, making it more conducive to plant growth. A tiller is a tool or machine used for tilling soil.
Timbuktu
Timbuktu is an ancient city in Mali, West Africa, situated on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. It was a major center of trade, scholarship, and Islamic learning during the medieval period, renowned for its libraries, mosques, and role as a hub of trans-Saharan trade.
Trade
Trade refers to the buying, selling, or exchange of goods, services, or commodities between individuals, businesses, or nations. Trade can occur through various means, including bartering, monetary transactions, and online platforms, and it plays a crucial role in economic development and globalization.
Trade Unions
Trade unions, also known as labor unions, are organizations formed by workers in various industries or occupations to represent their interests, negotiate with employers for better wages and working conditions, and advocate for labor rights, benefits, and collective bargaining agreements.
Trans-Saharan Trade
Trans-Saharan trade refers to the exchange of goods, commodities, and cultural influences across the Sahara Desert between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. It played a significant role in the economic, cultural, and social development of civilizations in both regions.
Trusts
Trusts are legal arrangements in which a person or entity (the trustee) holds property or assets on behalf of another party (the beneficiary), with specific instructions or terms governing its use, management, and distribution. Trusts are often used for estate planning, asset protection, and charitable purposes.
Tuskegee Institute
The Tuskegee Institute, now known as Tuskegee University, is a historically black university located in Tuskegee, Alabama. It was founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington and played a significant role in providing vocational and higher education opportunities for African Americans.
Unalterable
Unalterable refers to something that cannot be changed, modified, or altered under any circumstances. It denotes permanence or immutability in its state or condition.
Union
A union is an organized association or group of workers who come together to protect their rights, advocate for better wages and working conditions, and negotiate with employers on behalf of their members. Unions play a significant role in collective bargaining and labor representation.
University of California v. Bakke
University of California v. Bakke was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in 1978 that addressed affirmative action in college admissions. The Court ruled that race could be considered as one of several factors in admissions decisions but prohibited the use of racial quotas.
Urban Settlement
An urban settlement is a concentrated area of human habitation characterized by high population density, diverse economic activities, and extensive infrastructure such as buildings, roads, and utilities. Urban settlements include cities, towns, and metropolitan areas.
Urbanism
Urbanism refers to the study or characteristic features of urban areas, including their development, organization, culture, and social dynamics. It encompasses the various aspects of city life and the interactions between people, institutions, and the built environment in urban settings.
Vagrant
A vagrant is a person who wanders from place to place without a permanent home or means of support. Vagrancy often results from poverty, homelessness, or personal circumstances and may involve living on the streets, in shelters, or temporarily lodging in different locations.
Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is landmark federal legislation in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination in voting practices and enforces voting rights protections, particularly for minority voters. It played a pivotal role in combating voter suppression and ensuring equitable access to the ballot.
W.B. DuBois
W.E.B. Du Bois was an influential African American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and writer. He co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was a leading intellectual figure in the fight for civil rights and racial equality.
Wage Work
Wage work refers to employment in which an individual receives compensation, typically in the form of wages or salary, in exchange for labor or services performed for an employer. Wage work is a common form of employment in modern economies and may involve various types of jobs and industries.
Waiting Man
A man who waits on another; a valet or personal servant
Waterman
A waterman is an individual who works on or near bodies of water, such as a sailor, fisherman, ferry operator, or someone involved in maritime activities. Watermen often earn their livelihoods from activities related to rivers, lakes, oceans, or coastal areas.
Wealth
Wealth refers to the abundance of valuable resources or assets owned by an individual, community, or nation. It includes tangible assets such as money, property, and possessions, as well as intangible assets such as knowledge, skills, social connections, and cultural capital.
Wenches
Historically, wenches referred to women or girls, often of lower social status, who worked as servants, maids, or laborers, particularly in domestic or household roles. The term can carry derogatory connotations and has been used to demean or objectify women in the past.
West Africa
West Africa is a region on the western coast of the African continent, encompassing countries such as Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast. It is known for its rich cultural diversity, historical significance, and contributions to trade, art, music, and civilization.
White Flight
White flight refers to the phenomenon in which white residents, typically from urban areas, move away from racially diverse neighborhoods or cities to suburban or predominantly white areas. It often occurs in response to changes in demographics, social tensions, or perceived threats.
White Supremacy
White supremacy is a belief system or ideology that asserts the superiority of white people over people of other racial or ethnic backgrounds. It promotes the notion that white individuals or groups should dominate and control society, institutions, and resources.
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a New Deal program implemented by the United States government during the Great Depression to provide employment opportunities for millions of Americans through public works projects, infrastructure improvements, and cultural initiatives.
World War II
World War II (WWII) was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations. It arose from the aftermath of World War I and was characterized by major military campaigns, widespread destruction, genocide, and significant geopolitical shifts.
Yellow Contract
A "yellow contract" does not appear to be a widely recognized term. Without further context, its meaning remains unclear.
Zora Neale Hurston
Zora Neale Hurston was an influential African American author, anthropologist, and filmmaker. She is best known for her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" and her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance, documenting African American culture and folklore.