Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West during the early to mid-20th century, particularly from 1916 to 1970. This migration was driven by a search for better economic opportunities, escape from Jim Crow laws, and a desire for improved living conditions, profoundly shaping African American culture and religion in urban centers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration is often divided into two waves: the first wave from 1916 to 1940 and the second wave from 1941 to 1970, with millions moving northward.
2. African Americans sought jobs in industries such as steel, automotive, and meatpacking as they fled the oppressive conditions of the Jim Crow South.
3. This migration led to significant demographic shifts in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York City, contributing to vibrant urban communities.
4. As African Americans settled in northern cities, they established new churches and religious movements that reflected their experiences and aspirations.
5. The Great Migration had lasting impacts on music, literature, and art within African American culture, significantly influencing genres such as jazz and gospel.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence the development of African American religious movements in urban areas?
  • The Great Migration significantly influenced African American religious movements by leading to the establishment of new churches that reflected the unique experiences of migrants. As people moved northward, they brought their faith traditions with them while also adapting to new urban contexts. This resulted in a blend of cultural expressions within worship practices, leading to the rise of influential movements like Black Pentecostalism that emphasized empowerment and social justice.
• In what ways did the Great Migration impact community outreach efforts within African American churches during this period?
  • With a growing population in northern cities due to the Great Migration, African American churches expanded their community outreach efforts to address the needs of new migrants. These churches became crucial hubs for providing social services such as job training, education, and support systems for families. The outreach initiatives were rooted in a desire to create a supportive community amidst the challenges faced in urban environments.
• Evaluate how the Great Migration shaped the role of women in African American religious leadership during the 20th century.
  • The Great Migration reshaped women's roles in African American religious leadership as many women took on greater responsibilities within their communities due to shifting demographics. With more men working in factories or facing unemployment, women often became leaders in their churches and advocates for social change. Their involvement led to increased recognition of women's contributions to religious life, fostering movements that prioritized social justice and community empowerment throughout the mid-20th century.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws:

State and local laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States, severely limiting the rights and freedoms of African Americans.

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, showcasing the intellectual and cultural contributions of African Americans.

Urbanization:

The process of population movement from rural to urban areas, resulting in the growth of cities and significant changes in social, economic, and cultural structures.