Economic progress has been a central theme in Black history, marked by both resilience in the face of systemic challenges and significant achievements by Black individuals and communities. Here are some key points on economic progress in Black history:

1. **Slavery and Economic Exploitation:** The history of Blacks in the United States is deeply intertwined with slavery, which served as the foundation of the nation's economic system. Enslaved Blacks were exploited for their labor without compensation, contributing to the wealth and prosperity of white slave owners and entrenched economic disparities.

2. **Reconstruction and Jim Crow Era:** Following the Civil War and emancipation, Black Americans faced immense challenges in accessing economic opportunities due to discriminatory laws and practices. Black Codes, segregation, and exclusion from various economic sectors limited their ability to build wealth and advance economically.

3. **Black Enterprise and Entrepreneurship:** Despite these obstacles, Black individuals demonstrated resilience and entrepreneurship by establishing businesses and building economic networks within their communities. From successful Black-owned businesses in the early 20th century to the thriving Black entrepreneurial spirit today, Black entrepreneurship has played a vital role in economic progress.

4. **Civil Rights Movement and Economic Justice:** The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s not only sought to end racial segregation and discrimination but also aimed to address economic inequality. Initiatives like the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom underscored the importance of economic justice as a means of achieving true equality.

5. **Black Wall Street:** One of the most famous examples of economic success in Black history is the thriving community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, also known as "Black Wall Street." In the early 20th century, Greenwood was a prosperous African American district with a thriving business community until the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre destroyed its economic foundation.

6. **Civil Rights Legislation and Economic Empowerment:** The passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped dismantle legal barriers to economic opportunities for Black Americans, opening doors to employment, education, and homeownership.

7. **Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities:** While significant strides have been made in Black economic progress, disparities persist in areas such as wealth accumulation, employment, and access to capital. Initiatives promoting financial literacy, minority entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment continue to be important in advancing economic progress within the Black community.

Overall, the history of economic progress in Black history is a complex tapestry of resilience, struggle, achievement, and continued efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more equitable economic landscape for all.