freedpersons

Freedpersons, also known as freedmen, were African Americans who were enslaved prior to the American Civil War and were freed during or after the war. The term is most commonly associated with the period following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, which declared slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free, and the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1865, which abolished slavery nationwide.

The freedmen faced significant challenges upon their liberation. They were often left without land, homes, or jobs, and faced discrimination and violence from former slave owners and white communities. Many freedmen were also illiterate, as education had been forbidden during slavery. The Freedmen's Bureau, established in 1865, was created to assist freedmen in the transition to freedom, providing food, clothing, and legal assistance.

The Reconstruction era brought about significant changes for freedmen. They gained the right to vote, although this was often restricted by literacy tests and other barriers. Many freedmen also began to organize into communities, establish churches, and create schools. However, these gains were often short-lived, as the end of Reconstruction brought about a return to white supremacy and disenfranchisement for many freedmen.

The legacy of the freedmen continues to influence American society today. Their struggle for freedom and equality has inspired generations of activists and continues to be a subject of study and remembrance. The National Park Service has established several sites to commemorate the experiences of freedmen, including the Freedmen's Bureau Historic Site in Washington, D.C. and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.