New Jersey in The 20th Century - The Great Migration

The Great Migration

New Jersey's African American population grew rapidly in the early 20th century during the phases of the Great Migration and Second Great Migration from 1910-1970. African Americans migrated north for the growing numbers of industrial jobs and to get the right to vote, a better education for their children, and improved living conditions. They fled disfranchisement in the South, Jim Crow laws, and a fear of lynching.

1910 - 89,760 total colored, 3.5 percent of population of 2.5 million

1930 - 208,829 total colored, 5 percent of population of 4 million

1960 - 514,875 total colored, 8.5 percent of population of 6.1 million