How free were free blacks in the North

How free were the free black in the north back in the civil war age. After becoming free were able to have a life like everyone else. I think to be free would be great but it wasn't the best for the African Americans.

When it came to politics the free blacks didn't have much of a say in it. They were not able to become any part of the government. They weren't allowed in a jury with other whites. The only thing they could do is vote, but what was the point.

Economic freedoms were basically the only freedoms that black had in the north. They were able live, to thrive. They would have to pay taxes. They could also perform duties. They were able live like the white people in their own black communities.

Though they have the right to live and thrive they could never, ever mingle or mix with the other whites. They were not able to dine with them, join the jury, attend court, represent white in the legislator, and no mingling what so ever.

          

It would still seem horrible to be African American back in those times. I mean if one thing wrong, even the simplest things, you could be sent right back into slavery! How stupid is that. Though you are free and able to live the way you want, you are restricted to do so many things. Overall free or not it was nothing compared to a white person’s life.