Imagine the monumental task faced by American Descendants of Slavery when they sought to homestead. It's hard to grasp the courage needed to overcome the huge obstacles in their way. These individuals were born into a system that oppressed and dehumanized them. They had to fight against the lingering effects of slavery and racism. They had to navigate a web of discriminatory laws and social norms, all while trying to build a new life on the harsh, unforgiving American frontier.

Take, for example, the story of Claraole Banks, a former slave who homesteaded in Oklahoma during the late 1800s. Against all odds, she managed to claim 160 acres of land, clear it, and build a thriving farm. Her achievement shows the resourcefulness and grit of American Descendants of Slavery. They pursued the hope for a better life despite huge barriers to their success.