Freedmen's schools

Due to the remaining opposition to equality between blacks and whites, it was difficult for the formerly enslaved to receive a proper education, among a myriad of other things.

After the freedom of slaves in the United States, a few years before the federal government decided to aid the education of African Americans, many schools were created by the local churches and well-wishers from the North.

In September 1861 the American Missionary Association (AMA) organized one of the first freedmen schools in Virginia and began their journey in this historic work.

[3] Despite fierce opposition, the American Missionary Association continued to lend its support to the education of freedmen and absorbed resources from similar disbanded groups.

Assistant commissioners of the Freedmen's Bureau appointed Superintendents and provided discounted rations to teachers to improve the system and encourage support.

Aspects that these schools focused on were geared towards “Industrial training” such as frugality, stewardship, moderation, high aspiration, positive work habits, cleanliness, politics, honor, and the duties and privileges of freedom.

[9] And to nurture a growing sense of freedom and sustainability, Freedmen Schools sought to not only educate the African American population but also provide employment to them.

[13] There was much white pushback against education for freedmen in the south, fearing that it would make it difficult to keep the blacks “in their place” and interfere with their work habits.

[4] They relied heavily on the Freedmen's bureau and federal troops for protection and when these forces pulled out of the south, many teachers left as well.