by Frances Stanford

Created on: March 14, 2009   Last Updated: January 26, 2010

Although the Civil War brought an end to slavery in the United States, this did not mean that the slaves were free in every sense of the word. Even today, there are vestiges of the feelings of hatred between Blacks and Whites in some parts of this country. Freed slaves lived in poverty, were given the most menial jobs and were not regarded as true members of society. It has had a tremendous impact on the popular culture that evolved in the US and therefore around the world. The Fourteenth Amendment did not automatically wipe out divisions between classes in society.

Slavery and the story of the African American people have permeated every aspect of culture. The rise of the KKK was in response to the dissatisfaction with the results of the Civil War. Slavery, its role in the economy of the time, the efforts of the slaves to escape to freedom and their journey through the past two centuries have become the subject of books, documentaries and movies. In this way, everyone knows their story and their struggles.

The songs of the slaves evolved into popular music that was recorded and played in all households white or Black. Most people do not realize that this music is at the root of Rock n'Roll. The songs evolved into Blues music, which was made popular by African American musicians and singers. Rap is another effect of slavery that has come from African Americans as is Break Dancing.

The efforts of the African Americans to gain recognition in society have taken over 200 years. The election of Barack Obama, the first Black President of the United States, is a symbol of that struggle. The Civil Rights movement of the 1960's which began with Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a bus. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and many others have been in the forefront of this fight for equality among the races. Many television shows and movies have depicted the president as a Black Man, which many thought of as a comedic effect, but it was these movies and shows on television that showed what could be.

Through television shows, such as the Cosby Show, African Americans were shown as ordinary people with the same family problems as all other races. At one time, Black people were not permitted to have a starring role in movies or television or even in sport. Jackie Robinson was the first African American in baseball. Opening doors for opportunity for African Americans has been a long time coming but their effect on popular culture because of their fight cannot be denied.

Those African Americans who have gained recognition for their achievements have been held as heroes in the eyes of the ordinary people. They have been able to overcome their circumstances offering hope to others to do the same.

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