Consider African-American history through the eyes of an
historian. Why is it historically important to Iowa? Reading
Tip: Rereading and Reviewing When reviewing articles, think
about why it would be important to know or why it is important
to you.   African-Americans in Iowa, 1838-2005   African-
American history is the story of the relationship binding so-
called “blacks” and “whites” in America. This relationship has
affected churches, schools, businesses, labor unions, politics,
marriages and families, sports and arts since 1619.  Themes in
Iowa  In Iowa and the rest of the nation, African-American
history has had three major themes:    • the struggle for
freedom and equal treatment before the law   • the struggle for
economic opportunity and success   • the creation of an
inclusive, supportive and vibrant culture  The struggle for
black freedom in Iowa began in 1804 when York entered the state
as a slave with the Lewis and Clark expedition exploring the
Louisiana Purchase. It ended in 1839 when Charles Mas