Final answer:
Historically, the Democratic view of black men shifted from opposition to gradual support over time. This change began notably in the 1930s with Roosevelt's New Deal and continued as civil rights became a more central issue. Today, the Democratic Party actively seeks the support of African Americans and emphasizes inclusive policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throughout much of American history, the views of Democrats towards black men have varied and evolved. Initially, after the Civil War, the Republican Party was considered the party of Lincoln and freedom, garnering the support of African Americans. Conversely, Democrats, especially those from the South, were largely viewed as the party asserting white supremacy and opposing black rights. This perception was due to their support of slavery pre-Civil War and their opposition to postwar efforts to integrate African Americans into society.
However, starting in the 1930s, the Democratic Party began a significant shift when Franklin Roosevelt managed to bring a coalition of low socio-economic status voters from northern and midwestern cities into the Democratic fold, including taking tentative steps to support civil rights. This led to a dramatic party realignment wherein many black voters transitioned their support from Republicans to Democrats, influenced by the New Deal's limited job opportunities for African Americans and Eleanor Roosevelt's advocacy for equal rights, despite overall policy still being constrained by the need to not alienate white Southern voters.
Over time, significant changes have continued within the Democratic Party, leading to the establishment of more inclusive policies and a broader coalition that strongly seeks the support of the African American community, often highlighting civil rights and social justice initiatives. This has carried through to modern-day politics, where the Democratic Party is recognized for its diverse electorate that includes significant participation from African Americans.