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'''Black history''' or '''African-American history''' is the history of the American population of black African descent, from the colonial period to the present. It was a narrow specialty until the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s made it a high priority for historical research and teaching. It is now one of the largest fields of American history.  The history is one of struggle against slavery, segregation, racism and second class citizenship. The 2008 election of [[Barack Obama]] as president has been hailed as the culmination of the black struggle for political equality.

'''Black history''' or '''African-American history''' is the history of the American population of black African descent, from the colonial period to the present. It was a narrow specialty until the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s made it a high priority for historical research and teaching. It is now one of the largest fields of American history.  The history is one of struggle against slavery, segregation, racism and second class citizenship.  Historians debate whether to emphasize radical protest, as typified by [[W.E.B. DuBois]], or upward striving through the system, as preached by [[Booker T. Washington]]. The 2008 election of [[Barack Obama]] as president has been hailed as the culmination of the black struggle for political equality.

 

==Colonial era==

==Colonial era==

see also [[Slavery]]

see also [[Slavery]]

==Recent years==

==Recent years==

In recent years blacks have made major gains in sports, entertainment and politics. George W. Bush appointed the first two blacks to head the cabinet, secretaries of state [[Colin Powell]] and [[Condoleezza Rice]].  In a stunning upset, [[Barack Obama]] defeated [[Hillary Clinton]] for the Democratic nomination for president in 2008.

In recent years blacks have made major gains in sports, entertainment and politics. George W. Bush appointed the first two blacks to head the cabinet, secretaries of state [[Colin Powell]] and [[Condoleezza Rice]].  In a stunning upset, [[Barack Obama]] defeated [[Hillary Clinton]] for the Democratic nomination for president in 2008, then defeated Republican [[John McCain]]

 

:I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Senator Obama believes that, too. But we both recognize that though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation's reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still had the power to wound.  A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt's invitation of Booker T. Washington to dine at the White House was taken as an outrage in many quarters. America today is a world away from the cruel and prideful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African American to the presidency of the United States. Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.<ref> [http://www.johnmccain.com/splash110408.htm McCain statement Nov. 4, 2008]</ref>

 

==Historiography==

==Historiography==