With each growing population, there have been changes. Those who were born between the years of 1915-25 were known as the Builders.
Those who lived in this era were witnesses to the Great Depression, the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, World War II and the Korean War.
Entertainment came from the radio and the nickel juke box, where favorites were Harry James, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, etc.
Those were the years of the big bands. Popular dances were the Jitterbug, Suzy Q, Trucking and Pecking.
Family values were high. Technology was limited to the mimeograph or gelatin machines, rotary phones and slide rules.
Fancy clothing and fads were not really important, for most people made their clothing.
Young men always wanted a Zoot Suit, a big hat, watch with a long chain and a pair of Stacy Adams shoes. The favorite slang was “No Sweat.”
Education was usually limited to a high school graduation, but those who could afford to do so, went to college, or participated in work/study plans.
During this period of time, those who were able to attend college, soon landed jobs teaching school, for they were able to secure two-year teaching certificates by attending college for two years.
So this was a form of migration which required movement and rooming in the rural areas, a small town, or perhaps a city school. “
War times contributed largely to the migration of blacks.
The Boomers
The years between 1946 and 1960 suddenly became the most rapidly-changing era in American History.
The Space Race, the Civil Rights Era, New Sexual Revolution, the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Robert Kennedy greatly impacted the pages of history.
Television made its debut.
Rock and Roll came and teenagers were dancing the Watusi, Twist and Bunny Hop to the music of Paul Anka, the Supremes, the Temptations.
All sorts of rock and roll and country music became popular.
With the blending of many facets of life, “Black Migration” continued for there existed a new blending of cultures and ways of living.
These years involved radical changes. Integration, many single parents, and new opportunities for education were key.
My grandchildren completed their high school education in the years of 1982-87 and 1997.
Because of their academic achievements in high school, my three oldest grandchildren and the youngest received full scholarships to the University of Texas. During this time, Rap started to become part of the music scene.
Singers such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Grand Master Flash, Garth Brooks and many others were on the scene.
Their dance strategy was included dances such as the running man, Pee Wee Herman, Smurf and the Cabbage Patch.
By this time, college students were on their own, left to determine study habits and social life.
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