In 1619, Africans were first introduced in the United States for the slave trade. These healthy free, independent humans were dehumanized into chattel. Arriving in America in chains, the black man was systematically and legally robbed of his family, culture and all social bonds and tribal distinctions were seriously disrupted. The enslaved male was stripped off all masculine rights and parental authority and was demanded into a breeding animal. As Robert Staples remarks: …show more content…
It was a call for black people to unite to recognize their heritage, to build a sense of humanity and define their goals. As an evidence of this black power, there were many revolts across the nation and it saw the enactment of several laws: it prohibited discrimination in public accommodation, jobs and schools; Black Arts groups sprung up in cities. Black musicians and actors played major roles in films and on television. Numerous periodicals and journals were introduced and a new slogan, “Black is Beautiful” was heard across the country. Amiri Baraka, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Larry Neal and others were exponents of this