TED Talks Daily The Great Migration and the power of a single decision | Isabel Wilkerson
Oct 28, 2020
Isabel Wilkerson, an acclaimed journalist and author, recounts the Great Migration, where six million African Americans fled the Jim Crow South for new opportunities. She explores the emotional weight of migration, detailing the sacrifices made by families in pursuit of freedom. Wilkerson highlights how this monumental shift not only transformed demographics but empowered individuals to pursue their talents. Ultimately, these decisions reshaped culture and sparked social change, illustrating the enduring power of choice in the quest for a better life.
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Internal Asylum
- The Great Migration wasn't just a move, but a seeking of political asylum within the US.
- African Americans were defecting from the Jim Crow caste system.
The Great Migration
- The Great Migration saw six million African Americans leave the Jim Crow South.
- This was the first time American citizens fled their birthplace for citizen recognition.
Checkers and Caste
- Jim Crow laws were incredibly restrictive, even prohibiting interracial checkers games.
- This absurdity highlights the system's arbitrary and oppressive nature.
