How did african americans resist racism and try to improve their way of life following reconstruction

African Americans resisted racism and tried to improve their way of life following the Reconstruction by working towards becoming "literate" and organizing the Populist Party.

Explanation:

Even after the Reconstruction period and the freedom of former slaves, African Americans still faced major racism because the society was not prepared to see them as full citizens. Some people even organized groups aimed at killing them, such as the Ku Kux Klan. These former African American slaves saw the need for immediate education, which was possible thanks to the work of black and white teachers, missionary groups, schools and churches. They believed this was ther most importat tool for full freedom and equality. They also worked together with poor white farmers to promote Populism and fight for their citizenship rights. However, white people fought back (Democrats) because they saw slaves' freedom as shameful.

on the morning of  july 21,  1861, general mcdowell ordered the  unionarmy to attack. it was on this hill that  confederate  colonel thomas jackson and his forces held back theunion  troops.