Historical Event
Black Kansas homesteading
In the late 19th century, primarily between 1879 and the early 1880s, thousands of African Americans, known as Exodusters, migrated to Sumner County, Kansas, particularly Wellington, in search of land and a new life after the Civil War. This movement was part of the broader African American homesteading effort, where these settlers sought to establish independent farms and communities, thereby promoting self-sufficiency and autonomy.
Why This Matters
The Black Kansas homesteading movement is significant to the Transatlantic Reconnection narrative as it highlights the resilience and agency of African Americans in seeking freedom and economic opportunities, paralleling the historical struggles for land and autonomy faced by many Africans. This chapter in history underscores deep-rooted connections between African American aspirations and continental African experiences, facilitating a shared legacy of resistance and cultural exchange.
Timeline Context
Black Cowboys & the Western Frontier
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