Return to the image at the start of this chapter (p. 479), which shows a celebration in Baltimore after ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment. Note the distinguished African American heroes depicted at the top and the three scenes at the bottom. In the complete version of this popular lithograph, additional images appear on the left and right: black Union soldiers in battle; an African American minister preaching at an independent black church; a teacher and her stu-dents in a freedpeople’s school; an African American farmer in a wheat field; and a drawing of aproud black family on their farm with the caption “We till our own fields.” If a freedperson and a former slave owner had seen this image in 1870, how might each have responded? Imagine that an African American family had placed the picture in their home in 1870. How might they have reflected differently, twenty years later, on its significance? WaterLENDI& SedihnyCelebrating the Fifteenth Amendment, 1870 This lithograph depicts a celebration in Baltimoreon May 15, 1870. With perhaps 200,000 people attending, the grand parade and orations markedpassage of the Fifteenth Amendment, which enfranchised men irrespective of "race, color, or previouscondition of servitude." The heroes depicted at the top are Martin Delany, the first black man to becomean officer in the U.S. Army; abolitionist Frederick Douglass, born in slavery on Maryland's eastern shore;and Mississippi senator Hiram Rhodes Revels. The images at the bottom carried the following captions:"Liberty Protects the Marriage Altar," "The Ballot Box is open to us," and "Our representative Sits in theNational Legislature." Such lithographs, widely printed and sold, capture the pride, hope, and optimismof Reconstruction-but the optimism was not to last. Library of Congress.479

This image depicts, at center, a parade celebrating the passage of the 15th Amendment surrounded by portraits and vignettes of African Americans exercising their newly won liberties—land ownership, education, political involvement, religious freedom, employment, and military participation.Freedperson:The image likely stirs a myriad of emotions in the freedperson, depicting their celebration of the Fifteenth Amendment and honoring heroes such as: Martin Delany - who held the esteemed position as U.S. Army's first Black officer; Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist born into slavery on Maryland's eastern shore but later rose to prominence; Senator Hiram Rhodes Revels- a fellow African American statesman. This tableau evokes joy and pride for its viewers by dignifying them with agency within both central parade scenes and accompanying vignettes. Symbolizing progress achieved since emancipation are depictions of black soldiers actively fighting; ministers passionately delivering sermons; teachers diligently educating – all underpinned by thriving families: collectively inspiring hope towards a determined future. The freedperson, however, would likely also feel a mix of apprehension and skepticism. They were acutely aware of the persistent racial injustices and future challenges—especially when they contemplated scenes featuring Black soldiers in battle.Former slave owner:The image depicts a celebration of Black freedom and empowerment and this portrayal would probably incite anger and resentment in the former slave owner due to their challenged worldview rooted in superiority; they might also perceive this as potential threat to their power and privilege. Initially, denial or disbelief could shape the response and may lead to dismiss it as propaganda or assert that Black people lacked self-sufficiency. Confronted with images of thriving Black families on their own land, Black soldiers fighting for the country, and independent leadership by Black ministers in churches; individuals might also experience a surge of fear and anxiety.The African American family:Black heroes such as Delany, Douglass, and Revels would celebrate the image; vignettes of scenes like "Liberty Protects the Marriage Altar," "The Ballot Box is open to Us," and "Our representative Sits in National Legislature" would further inspire--and validate—an African American family. This serves to solidify their sense of belonging: a testament to newly gained rights and opportunities. Not only does this image act as a source for strength; it also provides encouragement by calling forth memories—vividly reminding them—of past progress made towards an even brighter future potential. Reflecting on the image twenty years later, they might perceive a certain disillusionment and disappointment. The unfulfilled promises of equality, coupled with potential ongoing discrimination, could provoke an interpretation more nuanced regarding the image's significance. This perspective may also serve as a poignant reminder of their ancestors' struggles and achievements; potentially propelling them to sustain their efforts in securing complete justice and equality.The African American family's reflections would significantly undergo transformation due to the passage of time and the evolving realities they faced post-slavery.During Reconstruction, this image powerfully documents the hopes, aspirations and challenges African Americans faced; it offers valuable insights into the era's complexities

Social Science

History

depicted at the top and the three scenes at the bottom. In the complete version of this popular lithograph, additional images appear on the left and right: black Union soldiers in battle; an African American minister preaching at an independent black church; a teacher and her stu- dents in a freedpeople’s school; an African American farmer in a wheat field; and a drawing of a proud black family on their farm with the caption “We till our own fields.” If a freedperson and a former slave owner had seen this image in 1870, how might each have responded? Imagine that an African American family had placed the picture in their home in 1870. How might they have reflected differently, twenty years later, on its significance?

depicted at the top and the three scenes at the bottom. In the complete version of this popular lithograph, additional images appear on the left and right: black Union soldiers in battle; an African American minister preaching at an independent black church; a teacher and her stu- dents in a freedpeople’s school; an African American farmer in a wheat field; and a drawing of a proud black family on their farm with the caption “We till our own fields.” If a freedperson and a former slave owner had seen this image in 1870, how might each have responded? Imagine that an African American family had placed the picture in their home in 1870. How might they have reflected differently, twenty years later, on its significance?