This document provides background information on African American history and culture, as well as profiles of influential African Americans including Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Condoleezza Rice, and Barack Obama. It discusses how African Americans were historically enslaved and lacked rights, the civil rights movement that fought for equality, and Obama being the first African American president, showing how far the community has progressed over time.

1. Yes We Can! A tribute to Free Will

2. Background of African- American Culture For hundreds of years, African Americans were enslaved and had no real rights. Since then, many influential people such as Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks have made a stand for equality for people of all races.

3. Influential African Americans January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968 African American activist and leader in the American civil rights movement. His main legacy was to secure progress on civil rights in the United States Most famous for his ‘I have a dream’ speech, which raised awareness for the civil rights movement. Was the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize Inspired many, considered a global icon. Martin Luther King

4. Influential African Americans February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005 Named "Mother of the Modern-Day by the Civil Rights Movement Refused to obey bus driver James Blake's order that she give up her seat to make room for a white passenger. This act of defiance created the modern Civil Rights Movement and Parks became an international icon of resistance to racial segregation. Helped launch Martin Luther King in his work Received many honours for her work too. Rosa Parks

5. Influential African Americans Was the first black woman to stand as Secretary of State And b efore joining Bush’s administration, she was a professor of political science at Stanford University Her emphasis on supporting democratically elected governments gained popularity to black people. Condoleezza Rice

6. SLAVERY

7. SLAVERY The American slave trade was an international business. It began in Western Africa, where prisoners were taken for sale to slave traders, ultimately concentrated in the South. Ten to fifteen MILLION Africans were ripped from their families The enslaved were also bred for sale on American soil and transported, often under brutal conditions, throughout the slave states. Slaves would then have to work under their owners control without complaint for they were believed to be bottom class. This continued until 1863, (of which it became illegal) but it was only until years after, that African Americans were considered socially equal They didn’t get the same rights as white people until 1968 Facts About:

8. Barack Obama Barack Obama will be the 44 th president and the first African American to take power This is a huge step forward for America, especially for African Americans, who have gone from ‘nothing’, to being the most powerful man in the world.

9. Yes We Can ! Now everyone can say

10. Thanks For Watching