 | The United States is home to people of every race, religion and nationality. The Indians and Eskimos have been here for thousands of years. Other groups arrived later and came in hopes of finding riches, adventure and a new life. In addition, some fleeing war, famine, and persecution sought only safety and a chance to survive. Black people alone were brought here unwillingly, stolen from their homes and forced to live as slaves. In spite of this cruel beginning, African Americans have played a major role in defining and shaping American beliefs, customs and traditions. From the beginning, they helped insure the nation's security and economic well-being. African Americans are among our earliest explorers and have been among the first people to expand and settle the frontier. | |
