Looking Back: Places of Recreation as an Amusement for African Americans after the Civil War

By: Leah Jenkins, Assistant Researcher

Beginning in 1865, federal amendments affirmed African American rights and generated a renewed leisure life. Freed from enslavement and regarded as full citizens, African American leisure life was constrained but less limited. During their free time, African Americans frequented clubs, rivers and restaurants. Despite new rights granted by federal amendments, segregation was legalized by Plessy v Ferguson in 1896. Quickly, African Americans were banned from National Parks, local parks, pools, campgrounds and beaches.

The social ramifications of nineteenth-century segregation had lasting effects despite codified segregation, hunting, fishing, dancing and singing all retained pervasiveness in African American culture. The introduction of Freedman’s Bureau schools and Black churches created new leisure opportunities. As a result, literacy skyrocketed, and classes in sewing and cooking emerged.

References:

• https://www.americantrails.org/resources/the-arch-of-history-is-long-but-it-bends-towards-justice

• https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/african-american-leisure-lifestyles

• https://www.diversifyoutdoors.com/blog/2022/11/9/community-fun-then-and-now-the-roots-of-black-led-outdoor-recreation-part2