Black American women and work: A historical review—1619–1920

Abstract

This paper reviews the work experience of Black American women from the Slave Period to World War I. However, the paper begins the discussion with the work of West African women because this is the area of Africa from which most African Americans came. As slaves they worked in the tobacco, rice, indigo and cotton fields and were skilled artisans, midwives, industrial workers and business women. Although Black women gained freedom after the Civil War their capabilities were not recognized and they were limited to the same work opportunities afforded them during slavery. In spite of the limitation and against unsurmountable odds a few Black American women during and after slavery achieved success in professions such as education, law, medicine, the arts and various businesses. It is clear from the presentation that Black American women have always been a part of the workforce of America and have contributed to its growth and development in the world. The work experience of the present day African American women has been influenced by these past generations of Black women and examplify the efforts of Black women to acquire freedom and options in their work opportunities.