Once slavery ended and emancipation was granted to slaves in the United States, African Americans did not suddenly find true independence and equality as they had dreamed. Instead many struggled to correct centuries-old attitudes that they were inferior to whites. Through excerpts from source documents, images, and riveting narrative, students will learn about the struggle and the rise of many in the black community to positions of power and importance in America.

Really free? 1865-1866 -- Freedom is not equality: 1865-1877 -- Separate is not equal: 1877-1915 -- Accomplishment is not equality: 1915-1941 -- Gaining ground: 1941-1965 -- Exercising power: 1966-1972 -- Are we there yet?: beyond 1972.