The main reason for the Great Migration of African Americans was to escape systemic racism, violence, and economic hardships in the rural South, particularly in the early to mid-20th century. Beginning around 1916 and continuing through the 1970s, millions of African Americans relocated to Northern and Western cities seeking better job opportunities, improved living conditions, and greater social acceptance. This mass movement significantly reshaped urban demographics, contributing to the cultural richness of cities like Chicago and New York. While it improved some economic prospects, migrants still faced discrimination and challenges in their new environments.