How the Black aristocracy of the Gilded Age ushered in a new era of education and freedom

[Whitey Ford]

How the Black aristocracy of the Gilded Age ushered in a new era of education and freedom

In a letter published in the April 22, 1852 issue of the Frederick Douglass Papers, someone known only by the pen name "Ethiop" observed: "Quite a combination of enterprising Blacks are beginning to appear."

"They begin to take their places in every pursuit about town and country; and as their thoughts and sympathies partake of their varied and independent occupations, they naturally form an active and efficient business class. I call it an ARISTOCRACY," Ethiop declared.

The observation signaled the emergence of a new Black elite in New York City, which bloomed in full force during the Gilded Age — a period toward the end of the 19th century marked by rapid economic growth and prosperity.

The HBO show "The Gilded Age," which recently premiered its second season, captures the clash between Manhattan's old and new money. It also gives viewers a glimpse into the world of wealthy Black Americans previously overlooked in history.

"The Black elite of the Gilded Age signaled that we too have taste. We too have education. We are like other citizens," Carla Peterson, historian and author of "Black Gotham: A Family History of African Americans in Nineteenth-Century New York City," told Insider.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/care...1f711e45&ei=17

[NiggerWrangler]

Another nigger fantasy.