African Americans and The Declaration of Independence

Each student will turn in a three to four page primary source paper focusing on one of the topics below. In addition to three to four pages of written text the paper should contain a title page (with your name, date, history class, and essay title) and a bibliography. The essay should be organized as follows: introductory paragraph with thesis; followed by body paragraphs; and a paragraph conclusion that summarizes your thesis and supporting arguments. All essays must be typed, double-spaced in 12-font (Times New Roman) and must have 1-inch margins. Any student who plagiarizes on an essay will receive a “0” on the assignment. Please examine the San Joaquin Delta College Student Handbook in regards to plagiarism. You can also view the American Historical Association’s definition of plagiarism: http://www.historians.org/governance/pd/curriculum/plagiarism_defining.htm No late papers will be accepted. Please insert page numbers on the bottom of each page. Your essays must cite primary sources and scholarly secondary sources found in our library!!! A strong research paper has 3-5 referenced sources. Writing Prompt 4 Thomas Jefferson wrote in The Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal.” When did this statement become a reality for African Americans living in the United States? In your response you must reference two scholarly journal articles or books related to the topic. You must also engage five of the following primary source documents: 1. Frederick Douglass, “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro?” Oration, Corinthian Hall, Rochester, New York, July 5th 1852 2. Sojourner Truth, “Aint’ I a Woman” Oration, Women’s Convention, Akron, Ohio, December 1851 3. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 4. The Dred Scott Supreme Court Decision 5. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution 6. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution 7. The 15th Amendment to the Constitution 8. The Grandfather Clause