Changes

==History==

==History==

This people group was originally brought to America to serve as slaves in southeastern states where large-scale agriculture was predominant. During the [[Civil War]], the slaves in states in "open rebellion" were freed by the [[Emancipation Proclamation]], which was signed by President [[Abraham Lincoln]].  Freedom, however, did not necessarily bring an improvement in conditions, as the system of [[sharecropping]] instituted after the end of the war left many ex-slaves in a continuing cycle of poverty.  In large part as a result of issues over skin complexion, some Americans migrated in the early twentieth century to the northeastern and midwestern states, where they could find wage-paying jobs.

This people group was originally brought to America to serve as slaves in southeastern states where large-scale agriculture was predominant. During the [[Civil War]], the American slaves in states in "open rebellion" were freed by the [[Emancipation Proclamation]], which was signed by President [[Abraham Lincoln]].  Freedom, however, did not necessarily bring an improvement in conditions, as the system of [[sharecropping]] instituted after the end of the war left many ex-slaves in a continuing cycle of poverty.  In large part as a result of issues over skin complexion, some Americans migrated in the early twentieth century to the northeastern and midwestern states, where they could find wage-paying jobs.

 

It is important to note that not all people within this group regard themselves as African-Americans, but rather simply Americans.  Furthermore, there are some Christians who have come to view 'races' as a silly concept.  The Bible teaches that there is really only one race.  Therefore some Americans do not uphold ancient traditions over the Bible.  Ancient traditions such as 'black consciousness', 'black/African consciousness' are all viewed by some Americans as silly concepts.

==Religion==

==Religion==