2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: U.S. Presidency

Throughout U.S. history, there have been several significant moments related to Black Americans and the presidency. Here are some key points:

1. **Election of Barack Obama**: In 2008, Barack Obama made history by becoming the first African American to be elected as President of the United States. His election was a significant milestone in the country's history and marked a new chapter in the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

2. **Abraham Lincoln and Emancipation Proclamation**: While not a Black president, Abraham Lincoln played a crucial role in Black history by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. This executive order declared that all enslaved individuals in Confederate-held territory were to be set free, laying the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

3. **Andrew Johnson and Reconstruction**: Following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson became the 17th President of the United States. Johnson's presidency was marked by his opposition to civil rights for formerly enslaved individuals and his clashes with Congress over Reconstruction policies.

4. **Thurgood Marshall and Supreme Court**: Although not a president, Thurgood Marshall was a trailblazer in Black history as the first African American Supreme Court Justice. Marshall's legal career included his work as a lead attorney for the NAACP in cases such as Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the desegregation of schools.

5. **Kamala Harris as Vice President**: In 2021, Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, African American, and Asian American to be elected as Vice President of the United States. Her election represents a significant step forward in representation and diversity in the highest levels of government.

These are just a few examples of the intersection of Black history and the U.S. presidency. The struggles and achievements of Black Americans throughout history have helped shape the nation and continue to influence politics and society today.