EVALUATING THE PRESIDENTS 45 Men Decide the Fate of African Americans By Earl A. Birkett
PREAMBLE Any nation is always much more than the sum of its leader; however, there is no dispute that the quality of leadership can make a huge difference in shaping the greatness of a nation. This is no less true for the United States of America, a nation that has been led by 45 men over its 246 years as a democratic republic. Throughout this period, a defining aspect of their presidencies has been how they dealt with those Africans who were brought to America 403 years ago in bondage, those who were brought here since, and their descendants who have struggled for freedom and equality ever since. The times in which they lived often dictated their response to the plight of African Americans, but other factors, including the personality and motivations of the individual occupant of the office, have taken on equal or greater weight.
BAVUAL
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FALL 2022
