The Emancipation Proclamation was issued in two parts. The first on September 22, 1862 was a preliminary announcement outlining the intent of the second part, which officially went into effect January 1, 1863 during the second year of the American Civil War. It was Abraham Lincoln's declaration that slaves in all states which had seceded from the Union and which had not returned to Federal control by January 1, 1863 would be emancipated. The ten implicated states were individually named in 1863.
Free blacks created institutions that would sustain them and help create independence and empowerment. The key institution was the church. The most popular Christian denomination was Baptist. Faith found expression through song, spirituals. Spirituals served many purposes it expressed faith in God and their own humanity and their ideas of freedom. During slavery is also delivered hidden messages that slave owners would not understand. Another institution that was developed was educational to give Negroes the opportunity for higher education. These institutions also had religion as their foundation. (Manning & Mulling, 14)
Photograph #6
Caption:
"The Fisk Jubilee Singers in London 1872" (Manning & Mulling, 35)
Description:
Ten singers from Fisk University are posed in the lobby of some great hall. Five ladies are seated two to the right of a small chest high decorative table and three to the left. Behind them stand one lady and four gentlemen. The ladies are dressed in fine dark colored dresses with white scarves around the neckline. The gentlemen are dressed in dark suits, white shirts and bow tie. The background has a pair of white columns on opposite's side with a scenic background of sky and trees. Drapes or curtains with rope hang to the right concealing one of the columns.
Interpretation:
The men: tall and strong: support stature seems to be represented in the columns showing that they are the support beams to this group and to the race.
The draped curtain connects to the last lady seated on the right representing that the ladies dress is made of a similar exquisite material. It also suggests that while in these dresses they are the stage presenting African American beauty and power and struggle to the world.
The rope hanging from the curtain is a constant reminder of their recent past in bondage and gives them determination to continue the positive work they have started for the improvement and empowerment of their people.
The scenic background on stage represents their passageway to tour the world by way of the stage.
The sitting for this picture was needed to show the world who they are. Their lack of posing (everyone with a different stance and gaze) says we are not entertainment or here for celebrity, but, to inform the world that are purpose is of a higher power: to exhibit our potential as a people and to supply economic funding to ensure our potential continues to be nurtured. (Complete Lesson I {guided} & Lesson III {independently})