Occupations of the Negroes

"Occupations of the Negroes" by Henry Gannett is a statistical study published in 1895, focusing on the employment patterns and economic involvement of African Americans following the Civil War. The book is a scientific publication primarily utilizing data from the 1890 census to analyze the labor force status of Negroes in the United States, showcasing their engagement in various gainful occupations. In this work, Gannett presents a detailed examination of the workforce demographics, revealing that a significant portion of African Americans were engaged in agriculture and personal services, while having minimal involvement in professions and trades. The study highlights that by 1890, over half of the Negro wage-earners were farmers, with a noteworthy proportion of women also participating in agricultural work. Gannett’s analysis also discusses discrepancies in occupation based on geography, along with the ownership of farms and houses among Negroes, illustrating both progress and ongoing challenges faced by the African American community in terms of economic empowerment and social mobility. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive statistical portrait of the working lives of African Americans in the late 19th century.