Storms of Change

During the period of the Reconstruction, there were two essential subjects in the African American family that guided them to restoration: the church and education. Many families were disoriented and lacked a father due to the slave owners selling and buying off the strongest men for monetary gain or killing them in fear of a revolt. According to Steven Ruggles of the University of Minnesota, historical sociologists stated, “black families [beginning in the 19th century] are theoretically more common to live in single-parent or extended family households.” With this as a factor, before and after slavery the men were essential targets for hate groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan in the oppressing, killing, and terrorizing of the black community. However, because of the relocation and selling of many of the family members many families were permanently separated. Throughout this time, the remaining attached families would gather their family members and band together to abide under one roof to secure their own and their family’s safety.