How were African Americans to achieve freedom and equality, prosperity, and full citizenship after emancipation from slavery?

The Individual Approach

Step Two: Be Moral!

Commit yourself to neighborly love and Christianity.

Show no enmity to former white masters. Maintain civil if not loving relationships and loyalties to former masters.

Develop good habits and do good works. Practice thrift, cleanliness, and honesty. Exhibit Christian benevolence by helping your neighbors.

Booker T. says,

"I founded Tuskegee Institute in 1881. The school taught basic agricultural skills and good morality."

Ideally, Christian love, benevolence, and morality will help African Americans live in harmony with white people. Why?

Whites will learn that they have little to fear from ex-slaves despite past grievances. Whites will learn that they have a great deal to gain by employing black workers and accepting them as neighbors.

Ex-slaves will develop moral predispositions suitable for social harmony and economic success.

The Critic responds,

"Why should blacks have to pander to white sensitivities. If anything, blacks should expect white apologies!"

The Individual Approach appreciates the importance of cultivating white sensitivities in order for black people to advance in America. That means that ex-slaves need to be especially cautious about politics and political confrontations.

`Make Your Choice`

Political Caution

Hear the Critic on justice.

HOME

How were African Americans to achieve freedom and equality, prosperity, and full citizenship after emancipation from slavery?

The Individual Approach

Step Two: Be Moral!

Commit yourself to neighborly love and Christianity.

Show no enmity to former white masters. Maintain civil if not loving relationships and loyalties to former masters.

Develop good habits and do good works. Practice thrift, cleanliness, and honesty. Exhibit Christian benevolence by helping your neighbors.

Booker T. says,

"I founded Tuskegee Institute in 1881. The school taught basic agricultural skills and good morality."

Ideally, Christian love, benevolence, and morality will help African Americans live in harmony with white people. Why?

Whites will learn that they have little to fear from ex-slaves despite past grievances. Whites will learn that they have a great deal to gain by employing black workers and accepting them as neighbors.

Ex-slaves will develop moral predispositions suitable for social harmony and economic success.

The Critic responds,

"Why should blacks have to pander to white sensitivities. If anything, blacks should expect white apologies!"

The Individual Approach appreciates the importance of cultivating white sensitivities in order for black people to advance in America. That means that ex-slaves need to be especially cautious about politics and political confrontations.

Make Your Choice

Political Caution Hear the Critic on justice.

`Make Your Choice`

Political Caution

Hear the Critic on justice.