Twentieth century New York City was a time of profound political change and social reorganization. The post World War II era particularly marked the change by introducing several prominent movements, such as the Zionist movement and the Great Migration. Although both movements were very crucial to their respective cultures, the Great African-American Migration holds a deeper root in American society. Joshua Freedman’s “Freedom Now” elaborates on the importance and consequences of the Great Migration in New York City.

Prior to the Great Migration, New York City was heavily white and immigrant in nature. The movement of African Americans into urban environments during the postwar era, such as New York City, instigated great demographic and social change. As African Americans and Puerto Ricans moved in, white residents moved out. The influx and outflow of African-Americans and whites, respectively, created a new and unusual environment in New York City. The local white residents of New York City did not know how to adapt to these changes, and so they did what came naturally to them after numerous centuries (such as with the case of Native Americans) – they ignored, segregated, and exploited the “inferior race.” Rather than attempting to adapt to the dynamic environment of New York, white residents constantly attempted to edge African-Americans out of the picture.

White residents abused newcomers, like the Whitman family, by charging excess rents, providing African-Americans with the most low-paying job positions, and even coding employment applications by race. Similarly, the children of African-American families did not escape segregation. African-American-dominated New York City public schools received the least amount of resources and experienced teachers. What could the future generation of African-American children hope for when their society oppressed their parents and their teachers lacked the experience needed to motivate them? As a former Boys High coach commented, “By ignoring these kids, you strangle them at the most basic level. And then people wonder why they get bitter.” Ultimately, these children did get bitter and they turned to the only people they could: each other; thus, the creation of gangs ensued.

However, what remains most puzzling is how a liberal city, which “forbade various types of discrimination in housing and employment” still managed to practice segregation behind the scenes. Essentially, New York City whites, unlike their Southern counterparts, practiced a worse and more pathetic form of discrimination – silent discrimination.