posted June 17, 2023 01:59 PM            

During the period of slavery, enslaved African Americans were generally not allowed to own firearms, as it was viewed as a means to maintain control over the enslaved population.

After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery with the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865, African Americans theoretically gained the same constitutional rights as other citizens, including the right to bear arms. However, in the years following the Civil War, Southern states implemented restrictive laws known as "Black Codes" and later "Jim Crow" laws, which aimed to suppress the rights and freedoms of African Americans.

These discriminatory laws, combined with systemic racism, often prevented African Americans from effectively exercising their Second Amendment rights. They faced significant obstacles, including intimidation, threats, and violence from white supremacist groups and individuals.

It wasn't until the civil rights movement of the mid-20th century and subsequent legal changes that significant progress was made towards securing the full rights of African Americans, including their Second Amendment rights. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped to dismantle segregation and discriminatory practices, leading to greater equality and the protection of civil rights for African Americans.