When I look at the flag. I do not just see red, white and blue. I see the blood of my forefathers, I see the white flag of hope, I see the love and strength that gave them voice. I see the courage they had to fight and yet love deeply. The flag represents American principles, ideas and values. That is what the flag represents to me, cornerstone values. The American flag means to me unity, responsibility, liberty, and appreciation. And I want to show my appreciation to the flag by saying: "Thank you for serving this country! We appreciate you and all you have done for us!"
African Americans in the North and South experienced discrimination. In the North, discrimination was less overt. In the South, it was very direct. Black Northerners could vote and enjoy some civil rights. In the South, civil rights and protections were nonexistent.