The Quest for Equality: African Americans and the Interpretation of “All Men Are

Created Equal”

Thomas Jefferson eloquently proclaimed in The Declaration of Independence that “all men
are created equal.” This iconic statement resonated with the nation’s foundational principles,
yet its application to African Americans remained ambiguous for decades. This essay will
explore the journey of African Americans towards equality and examine when Jefferson’s
proclamation became a reality for them within the context of American history.
The year 1776 marked the Declaration of Independence, which asserted that “all men are
created equal.” However, this claim was not immediately applicable to African Americans.
The institution of slavery persisted, denying African Americans their essential rights and
freedoms. Frederick Douglass, in his compelling oration in 1852, titled “The Meaning of July
Fourth for the Negro?” realistically voiced the discrepancy between the Declaration’s
promises and the lived experiences of African Americans during that time (Douglass, 1852).
Douglass highlighted the contrasting realities faced by African Americans, emphasizing the
irony of celebrating liberty while their own freedom remained elusive.

Similarly, Sojourner Truth’s powerful oration, “Ain’t I a Woman,” in December 1851 at the
Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio, exposed the intersectional struggles faced by African
American women due to race and gender (Truth, 1851). This primary source highlights the
double oppression experienced by African American women, further delaying the realization
of equality for them.

The enactment of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 underscored the stark divide between the
ideals of equality and the legal system’s treatment of African Americans (Fugitive Slave Act
of 1850). This law intensified the injustices experienced by many African Americans, as it
provided additional mechanisms for their capture and return to enslavement.

Moreover, the infamous Dred Scott Supreme Court Decision of 1857 upheld the notion that
African Americans, whether free or enslaved, were not entitled to the rights and privileges of
American citizenship (Dred Scott v. Sandford, 1857). This case showcased how deeply rooted
racial inequality was within the legal framework of the United States and hindered the
realization of equality for African Americans.

However, progress towards equality began to gain momentum with significant amendments
to the Constitution. The ratification of the 13 th Amendment in 1865 abolished slavery,
acknowledging the inherent contradiction between involuntary servitude and the principle
that all men are created equal (13 th Amendment). This constitutional change represented a
pivotal moment in African American history, legally ending the institution of slavery and
paving the way for further advancements.
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The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, sought to ensure equal protection under the law for all
citizens, including African Americans (14 th Amendment). It was a crucial step towards
attaining equality, as it addressed the legal inequalities that African Americans faced,
especially in the aftermath of the Civil War.

The 15th Amendment, adopted in 1870, established voting rights for African American men,
explicitly prohibiting racial discrimination in the exercise of the right to vote (15 th
Amendment). This constitutional protection marked a significant milestone towards realizing
universal suffrage, though subsequent barriers such as poll taxes and other discriminatory
measures challenged its full implementation.

Despite these constitutional changes, African Americans still faced numerous obstacles in
their pursuit of equality. The Grandfather Clause, introduced in the late 19 th century, allowed
potential voters to bypass restrictive voting requirements if their grandfathers had been
eligible to vote before the Civil War (Grandfather Clause). This insidious legislation
deliberately targeted African Americans, who were disproportionately excluded from voting
due to their ancestors’ enslavement.
The ideal of equality expressed by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence was
a significant milestone in American history. However, for African Americans, equality
remained elusive for much of the nation’s early existence. It took centuries of struggles, as
highlighted in the primary sources mentioned, for African Americans to finally begin
realizing some semblance of equality through constitutional amendments and the challenging,
ongoing fight for civil rights. While progress has been made, the goal of true equality
continues to be an ongoing effort. As we navigate the complexities of our shared history, it is
essential to acknowledge the long and painful journey African Americans endured in their
quest for equal rights, striving for a future where Jefferson’s ideal becomes an unquestionable
reality.
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Name: Rilwan Abdulrasak
Date: 6th September 2023
The Quest for Equality: African Americans and the Interpretation of “All Men Are
Created Equal”

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