Final answer:
Churches played a large role in the lives of free African-Americans, providing community, social and political activities, and a fight for civil rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The institution that played a large role in the lives of free African-Americans was churches. Churches provided a sense of community and served as a gathering place for social and political activities. They also played a crucial role in the fight for civil rights.
While city government was important for African-Americans, it did not have as significant of an impact as churches. Schools were also crucial in providing education and opportunities for advancement for free African-Americans. Factories were more relevant to the lives of African-Americans during the Industrial Revolution, but their role was limited.
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