Post Civil Rights era of African-American history African-American history

the first african-american president of united states, barack obama

politically , economically, blacks have made substantial strides in post-civil rights era. civil rights leader jesse jackson, ran democratic party s presidential nomination in 1984 , 1988, brought unprecedented support , leverage blacks in politics.

in 1989, douglas wilder became first african-american elected governor in u.s. history. in 1992 carol moseley-braun of illinois became first black woman elected u.s. senate. there 8,936 black officeholders in united states in 2000, showing net increase of 7,467 since 1970. in 2001 there 484 black mayors.

the 39 african-american members of congress form congressional black caucus, serves political bloc issues relating african americans. appointment of blacks high federal offices—including general colin powell, chairman of u.s. armed forces joint chiefs of staff, 1989–93, united states secretary of state, 2001–05; condoleezza rice, assistant president national security affairs, 2001–04, secretary of state in, 2005–09; ron brown, united states secretary of commerce, 1993–96; , supreme court justices thurgood marshall , clarence thomas—also demonstrates increasing visibility of blacks in political arena.

economic progress blacks reaching extremes of wealth has been slow. according forbes richest lists, oprah winfrey richest african american of 20th century , has been world s black billionaire in 2004, 2005, , 2006. not winfrey world s black billionaire has been black on forbes 400 list every year since 1995. bet founder bob johnson briefly joined on list 2001 2003 before ex-wife acquired part of fortune; although returned list in 2006, did not make in 2007. winfrey african american wealthy enough rank among america s 400 richest people, blacks comprise 0.25% of america s economic elite , comprise 13% of u.s. population.

the dramatic political breakthrough came in 2008 election, election of barack obama. won overwhelming support african american voters in democratic primaries, main opponent hillary clinton had support of many black politicians. african americans continued support obama throughout term. after completing first term, obama ran second term. in 2012, won presidential election against candidate mitt romney , re-elected president of united states.

the post-civil rights era notable new great migration, in millions of african americans have returned south, pursue increased economic opportunities in now-desegregated southern cities.

social issues

after civil rights movement gains of 1950s–1970s, due government neglect, unfavorable social policies, high poverty rates, changes implemented in criminal justice system , laws, , breakdown in traditional family units, african-american communities have been suffering extremely high incarceration rates. african americans have highest imprisonment rate of major ethnic group in world. southern states, historically had been involved in slavery , post-reconstruction oppression, produce highest rates of incarceration , death penalty application.