Migration has been a defining characteristic of the Black experience in the United States since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to the American colonies in the early 1600s. But the early 20th century marked a new and important phase in migration as unprecedented numbers of African Americans moved from the rural South to the urban North in search of a better life. Multiple waves of this “Great Migration” would continue during the course of the 20th century into the 21st century as blacks within the United States, as well as black immigrants, moved to and within this country.

This exhibit explores the factors spurring black migration and immigration as well as the resulting changes in society on the national, regional, and local levels. This exhibit is curated by the M-NCPPC Black History Program.

Ages: All ages are welcome