Employment discrimination: Many African Americans were denied jobs in white-owned businesses, or they were paid lower wages than white workers for the same work. This discrimination made it difficult for African Americans to earn a decent living and build wealth.
Residential segregation: African Americans were often forced to live in segregated neighborhoods, which were often overcrowded and lacked basic amenities. This segregation made it difficult for African Americans to access good schools, jobs, and healthcare.
Political disenfranchisement: Many African Americans were denied the right to vote, either through legal barriers like poll taxes and literacy tests, or through intimidation and violence. This disenfranchisement prevented African Americans from having a voice in the political process and advocating for policies that would benefit them.
Educational inequality: African Americans often had access to inferior education compared to white students. This inequality made it difficult for African Americans to get a good education and compete for good jobs.
Police brutality and mass incarceration: African Americans were often targeted by police brutality and mass incarceration, which disproportionately affected them compared to white Americans. This led to a lack of trust between African Americans and law enforcement, and made it difficult for African Americans to feel safe and secure in their communities.
These are just some of the many limitations that African Americans faced when they moved to northern cities during the Great Migration. These limitations made it difficult for African Americans to fully integrate into American society and achieve economic and social success. While progress has been made since then, the challenges African Americans face today are directly linked to these historical limitations.