Black Migration -
As of now, we are witnessing one of the greatest migrations in African-American history. Almost 1 million of black Americans have migrated from the South to the North since 1910, for different reasons. This is influencing such a growth in the African American community, leading to the creation of new types of dances and music that some might call Harlem Renaissance. The lack of opportunity for African Americans to make a statement living in the South is one of the main reasons why this migration mainly happened, but also economic inequality in the form of labor practices compelled black americans to move in hope of finding more equitable treatment.
I had the pleasure to discuss and learn more about this time migration with a man that lived it himself, Hale Delaney, and here is our interview that I have the pleasure to share with you in order to open your mind views about the black community itself and their struggles.
Interview with Hale Delaney, who migrated from South Carolina in 1922 to New York City seeking for a better life.
“Tell me Hale, how did you even get the idea of moving away from your home?”
“Well, there were many reports on the black newspaper talking about incredible job opportunities in the cities all over America and everyone seemed interested, but no one truly trusted these advertisements until someone that they knew actually tried and moved away.”
“That’s reasonable, were you part of the ones that waited?”
“Yes, I was afraid that the situation would have not changed and that racism would have followed me even up North, and that was the truth, but at least in NYC it was easier to find someone willing to give you a job.”
“How did you manage to actually move and pay for it?”
“I was able to accumulate a bunch of money beforehand, I had a really hard and low-paying job but someone that worked with me had a friend at the train station and they helped me get cheap tickets for me and my girlfriend.”
“Tell me about your journey on the way to New York.”
“It was genuinely awful and long, the conductors were obviously unfriendly and there were little food and drinks. We had to move up to various cities until we arrived in order to make the traveling easier, and once we got there we had to live in a small apartment with other four couples for at least six months.”
“Once you got there, were you able to live the American Dream that was promised to you on that newspaper?”
“The reality is that, with the aid of family and friends I was able to find a long hours job that was at the bottom of the economic ladder, even though in the South i was a skilled crafter, and essentially, yes, I was paid more and racism decreased, but it was still strong and just hidden and not as public as it was back home.”
“Okay, thank you for your time Sir.”
6