The lack of economic opportunities in the South was a major reason why African Americans began migrating to other parts of the country. Historically, many African Americans in the South were sharecroppers or tenant farmers, working on white-owned land and living in poverty. They were often trapped in a cycle of debt and had little hope of improving their economic situation. In the urban areas of the North and Midwest, however, there were more opportunities for employment in factories, industries, and other businesses. African Americans could earn higher wages and have a better standard of living.
Discrimination
African Americans faced pervasive discrimination, violence, and segregation in the South. They were denied basic civil and human rights, such as the right to vote, the right to own property, and the right to attend white schools or use white-owned businesses. In many southern states, it was illegal for African Americans and whites to socialize or even sit together on public transportation. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and other white supremacist groups often targeted African Americans with violence and intimidation, making many feel afraid and vulnerable in the South.
Jim Crow Laws
Jim Crow laws, which institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, were another factor that contributed to the Great Migration. These laws mandated the separation of African Americans and whites in public spaces and services, including public transportation, schools, restaurants, and hospitals. African Americans faced harsh and often violent consequences if they violated these laws.
Family Reunification
Another reason for the Great Migration was family reunification. Many African Americans had family members who had moved to other parts of the country, looking for better opportunities or escaping the harsh realities of the South. By joining their family in the North and Midwest, African Americans could find comfort, support, and a sense of community.