The main reason for the migration of African Americans in this era was the harsh racial discrimination they faced in the South and the lack of economic opportunities. Many blacks sought better livelihoods and social conditions in the plains region, where land was more affordable, and there was a greater demand for agricultural labor.
One significant event that played a role in the migration of blacks was the Great Migration, which refers to the mass migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban Northeast, Midwest, and West between 1910 and 1970. As part of this larger movement, some African Americans also settled in the Great Plains states, particularly in cities like Kansas City, Omaha, and Oklahoma City.
However, it's important to note that the migration of African Americans to the Great Plains was far smaller compared to the migration to other regions, such as the West Coast or the urban North. The overall black population in the Great Plains remained relatively small, particularly in rural areas, due to various factors such as discrimination, lack of employment opportunities, and social isolation.