Education
About 80% of freed slaves over the age of 20 could not read or write in 1870. Slaves used to be punished if they tried to learn how to read and write by their masters. Black educational centers were sponsored by organizations like Freedman’s Bureau and African-American-churches. A significant college that was founded during this time was Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia. By 1870, blacks had spent over one million dollars for educational purposes. In the beginning, Northern women whites were teachers but eventually educated African Americans (e.g. Robert G. Fitzgerald) outnumbered whites in schools. Some white Southerners were outraged by blacks getting an education but despite threats of violence, African Americans strove to learn. By 1877, over 600,000 blacks were enrolled in elementary schools.
Black American education was rising throughout Reconstruction enabling freed slaves teach the next generation.
Black American education was rising throughout Reconstruction enabling freed slaves teach the next generation.