One hundred and forty-one years ago today, March 10, 1880, my Grandfather Joe was born to former slaves Jefferson and Caroline Beaman.
Joe was the ninth child born to his parentsAMP 15 years after the end of slavery. As I mentioned earlier, bigotry and racism defined how the treatment. See, they were very dark skin people—field hands and not house slaves.
The answer to that question would be…I do.
His occupation In 1870, the same as he was as a slave.
Arch Beaman, my 2nd great-grandfather, was hard at work when industries were experiencing change throughout America.
Furthermore, in 1870, most men were employed in agriculture and manufacturing industries. Women had entered the workforce in more significant numbers working as domestic servants and laborers in factories and farms.
While the average daily wage was $2.20, or $43.01 in today’s standards, women and minorities experienced discrimination and unequal pay; and what do you think the reason was?
Answer: BigotryAMP and Racism.
To that end, my, 2nd great-grandfather lived in Township 13, Montgomery, Alabama, when expanding networks of canals and railways connected communities in new ways. Farmers and manufacturers began to ship goods across the country, and factory production was on the rise.
To say nothing, he likely saw firsthand the impact a new wave of industrialization had on many. While the start of the Second Industrial Revolution brought new wealth for some, it also came with challenges for people of color and women.
By and large, the nature of work changed as machines performed tasks previously done by farmers and factory workers alike. Daily labor took its toll, and employers demanded long hours.
I can’t imagineAMP living under those circumstances.
“Those who will not reason are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are slaves.”
― George Gordon Byron (Lord Byron)