Final answer:
Cotton Mather's involvement in promoting and justifying the enslavement of African people in the American colonies is often associated with contributing to racism in America. Although there were figures who fought against slavery, Mather's influence propagated systemic inequality and racial hierarchies, aspects of which are still being confronted today.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided, Cotton Mather is often associated with contributing to racism in America via his involvement in promoting and justifying the enslavement of African people in the American colonies (Selection D). While the other options discuss progressive actions and inclusivity, it is Mather's role in the advancement and rationalization of African enslavement that stands out as a significant contributor to the propagation of racial prejudice and discrimination in the colonies, which would unroll to the overall history of racism in America.
Cotton Mather, an influential figure during the colonial period, justified enslavement as a means to save African souls by conversion to Christianity, which consequently played a significant part in accepting and propagating this systemic inequality and reinforced racial hierarchies, and had lasting and profound impacts on American society.
To contrast, figures like William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass became influential abolitionists who fought vehemently against the institution of slavery and helped push America towards the civil war and eventual abolition. However, the roots of racism that were fostered during the early colonial period had deep and lasting impacts on societal attitudes and structures, many of which are still being confronted today.
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