Unveiling the Dark History- Did Black Friday’s Origins Have a Sinister Connection to Slavery-

Did Black Friday Have Anything to Do with Slavery?

The origins of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving that marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, have long been shrouded in mystery. However, one cannot ignore the question of whether Black Friday has any connection to the dark history of slavery in the United States. The answer, unfortunately, is a resounding yes.

The term “Black Friday” was first used in the 1960s to describe the heavy traffic and chaos that occurred in Philadelphia on the day after Thanksgiving. The name was meant to be a joke, as it was thought that the day was so chaotic that it could have been a “black” day for the city. However, as the years passed, the term became synonymous with the massive shopping event that we know today.

The connection between Black Friday and slavery can be traced back to the origins of the holiday itself. Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, was first celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans. While the celebration of Thanksgiving has no direct connection to slavery, the economic system that supported the early settlers did.

The Pilgrims arrived in what is now the United States in 1620, seeking religious freedom. They quickly realized that they could not survive on their own and turned to the Native Americans for help. The Wampanoag people taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land, fish, and hunt, which helped them to establish a sustainable community.

However, the economic system that supported the Pilgrims was based on the labor of enslaved Africans. Slavery was introduced to the colonies in the early 17th century, and by the time of the Pilgrims’ arrival, the practice was well-established. The labor of enslaved individuals was crucial to the success of the early American economy, and it continued to be so for many years to come.

The connection between Black Friday and slavery is further compounded by the fact that the holiday shopping season is built on the backs of low-wage workers. Many of the people who work in retail, manufacturing, and distribution centers during the holiday season are paid poverty wages and lack benefits. This exploitation of workers is reminiscent of the conditions that enslaved individuals faced centuries ago.

In conclusion, while Black Friday is celebrated as a day of consumerism and commercialism, it is important to recognize its connection to the dark history of slavery in the United States. The economic system that supports the holiday shopping season is built on the exploitation of workers, much like the system that supported slavery. As we celebrate Black Friday, let us remember the history behind the day and work towards a more equitable and just society.