This document discusses gender identity among African Americans. It begins by noting that many women and men fought for women's rights and against slavery. Susan B. Anthony was a key leader in the women's movement, advocating for women's suffrage, property rights, labor rights, and the abolition of slavery. While she never married, she was passionate and inspired others through publications and organizations. The document then examines how African American men and women were historically pitted against each other but also bonded together. It notes progress in race relations but calls for continued healing from past harms. The work of Susan B. Anthony and other strong Black female leaders paved the way for advances, though many will remain unknown. Overall progress requires addressing differences while

1. Running head: GENDER IDENTITY AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS 1
Gender Identity among African Americans
Cornelius T. Sones
SOC/338
June 13, 2011
Charmaine Kaimikaua

2. GENDER IDENTITY AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS 2
Gender Identity among African Americans
When analyzing and addressing the women’s movement, it is difficult to limit the
accolades to single individual. There are thousands of women that contributed on multiple levels,
whom the masses have not and will not ever hear about. Many Back women and men fought and
died for this cause that continues in our present times. The women’s movement spawned form
the anti-slavery movement. Both movements shared the same views, member participation, and
challenges as White resistance and oppression prevailed during this period. Through this
oppression, there were strong, soulful leaders that came to the forefront, and provided the
creative guidance that would be necessary.
One of multiple leaders that provided a significant impact on the women’s movement
was Susan B. Anthony. Anthony was born February 15, 1820 in Adams, Massachusetts. She was
brought up in a Quaker family with long activist traditions. From and early age, Anthony had
developed a sense of justice and moral zeal that clear to her family. After teaching for more than
fifteen years, Susan B. Anthony became an active member in temperance. Although intelligent
and actively involved, Anthony was no allowed to speak during temperance rallies. Remaining
true to her activist roots, Susan B. Anthony discarded the imposed limitations and traveled the
nation in support of women suffrage. The abolition of slavery, women’s rights to their own
property and earning’s, and women’s labor organizations are among the plights Susan B.
Anthony battled. Anthony, who never married, was aggressive and compassionate by nature. She
had a keen mind and a great ability to inspire (House, 2009). Active until her death in 1906,
Anthony established literary publications, lead empowerment organizations, and was the voice of
a generation for civil right.

3. GENDER IDENTITY AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS 3
In analyzing the many differences and similarities between the African American male
and the African American woman, one can look to the beginning of their existence in this
country. “The Willy Lynch Letter” is a powerful examination into the cultivation of the
philosophy of slave owners. From the onset of the African Americans experience in this nation,
Blacks were both pit against each other and grouped together in efforts to create a divide that
would last from generation to generation for hundreds of years. Black men and women share an
historic existence that has often times come to represent their current existence. This is both
accurate and inaccurate. This historical make-up of African Americans is that of a subordinate
nature, and one that was filled with discrimination and physical and metal distress. This behavior
continues in current times, but with far less blatancy, and without the official and unofficial
support of the local and national governments.
Through the division that was ingrained in African Americans hundreds of years ago,
newfound brother and sisterhoods were established as freedom began to ring true for all African
Americans. This kinship paved the way for the establishing of civil rights organizations and
equal rights movements that have lead our nation into its’ current state. Along with continued
progress as it relates to race relations with other races, African Americans must continue the
healing process from the generational damage that was cultivated long ago. Progress is evident,
and with each generation becoming more knowledgeable and intelligent than the one before;
continued progress is assured. This progress is not only vital for the advancement of the race, but
for the continued advancement of the nation as a whole.
The work of Susan B Anthony laid the ground work for many strong Black female
leaders that were to come after her. Many of which we know and praise, and many of which will
never be spoke of. Many of whom are and were our mother, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and

4. GENDER IDENTITY AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS 4
daughters. None of whom will receive the national recognition of Susan B. Anthony, but whose
contributions were significant in their own right. These contributions coincide with the
contributions of all of those involved in the advancement of Black Americans. Through
differences and resistance, progress must continue.

5. GENDER IDENTITY AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS 5
References
Susan B. Anthony, Susanbanthonyhouse.org, 2009
University of Phoenix Course Materials Chapters 7 & 11

6. GENDER IDENTITY AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS 5
References
Susan B. Anthony, Susanbanthonyhouse.org, 2009
University of Phoenix Course Materials Chapters 7 & 11