Coming Together in History

Memorable instances of Americans coming together for the common good! I believe that WE TOO, can accomplish some good! Let’s use our voices to promote peace among parties. Let’s get started with some good ol’ American unity history!

People coming together in America for the Civil Rights Movement

Colonial America: The First Continental Congress (1774). In stark contrast to the division seen at the Boston Massacre, this event brought together delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies. They united to form a cohesive, organized political response to British policies, such as the Intolerable Acts. This marked a crucial step toward colonial solidarity and a unified front against Great Britain.

Antebellum America: The Underground Railroad. While the nation was divided by the institution of slavery, the Underground Railroad was a powerful example of unity. It was a network of abolitionists, both Black and white, and formerly enslaved individuals who risked their lives to help others escape to freedom in the North. This effort transcended racial and geographic divides for the greater good of liberty.

Gilded Age: The formation of labor unions like the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Instead of being divided by their disparate living conditions, working-class Americans across different trades and industries came together to form unions. They united to demand fair wages, safer working conditions, and reasonable hours, pooling their collective power to fight for the rights of all workers.

Civil Rights Era: The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. While the Selma marches highlighted the conflict with law enforcement, the March on Washington showcased a quarter of a million people—Black and white—coming together in a peaceful demonstration. This historic event was a powerful display of unity that galvanized support for civil rights legislation and is remembered as a symbol of shared purpose and a dream of equality.

Contemporary America: The national response after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In the face of tragedy, Americans across all political, social, and cultural divides came together in a shared moment of grief and solidarity. Citizens organized massive volunteer efforts, donated blood, and offered support to first responders and victims, demonstrating a powerful sense of national unity and a commitment to helping one another.

If Americans could do it before, we can do it today! End the violence, end the demonization of political parties, end further separation, making our voices weaker and weaker. We will be strong and unite with a common goal of Peace from within!