The Civil Rights Movement (Part 2) African Americans, Latino Americans and Native Americans continue to seek equality in American Society

“CNN’s The Sixties: A Long March to Freedom” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIpN3z8IkoA

Challenges and Changes in the Movement Disagreements among civil rights groups, the tragic deaths of several civil rights leaders, widespread urban neglect, riots and the rise of black nationalism create a more militant period in the fight for civil rights.

African Americans Seek Greater Equality Northern Segregation • De facto segregation exists by practice, custom; problem in North • De jure segregation is segregation required by law • WW II black migration to Northern cities results in “white flight” • 1960s, most urban blacks live in slums; landlords ignore ordinances • Black unemployment twice as high as white • Many blacks angry at treatment received from white police officers Urban Violence Erupts Mid-1960s, numerous clashes between white authority, black civilians - many result in riots Many whites baffled by African-American rage Blacks want, need equal opportunity in jobs, housing, education Money for “War on Poverty” and “Great Society” redirected to Vietnam War

New Leaders Voice Discontent African-American Solidarity • Nation of Islam, Black Muslims, advocate blacks separate from whites - believed that the white power structure actively oppressed and disadvantaged the black population Advocate armed self-defense, and equality “by any means necessary” • Malcolm X—controversial Muslim leader, speaker; gets much publicity • Frightens whites, moderate blacks; resented by other Black Muslims Ballots or Bullets? Pilgrimage to Mecca changes Malcolm X’s attitude toward whites Splits with Black Muslims; continues to champion Pan-Africanism, black self- determination and self-defense Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965 while giving a speech in New York Black Power • CORE, SNCC become more militant; SCLC pursues traditional tactics • Stokely Carmichael, head of SNCC, calls for Black Power: - African Americans control own lives, communities, without whites Black Panthers: Huey Newton & Bobby Seale • Black Panthers fight police brutality, want black self-sufficiency and advocate self-defense • Preach ideas of Mao Zedong; have violent confrontations with police Marched on Sacramento, occupied Capital building with an armed contingent • Provide social services in ghettos (family assistance, black advocacy, children’s community programs, neighborhood breakfast program), win popular support

1968—A Turning Point in Civil Rights King’s Death King objects to Black Power movement, preaching of violence Seems to sense own death in Memphis speech to striking workers: “I have seen the promised land…I may not get there with you…” Is shot, dies the following day, April 4, 1968 Reactions to King’s Death King’s death leads to worst urban rioting in U.S. history - over 100 cities affected Robert Kennedy assassinated two months later Black Power movement continues in force into the early 70s as law enforcement (FBI) step up their surveillance and conflict with black power groups (COINTELPRO – counter-intelligence program)

Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement Causes of Violence • Kerner Commission: racism main cause of urban violence Civil Rights Gains • Civil Rights Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination in housing More black students finish high school, college; get better jobs Greater pride in racial identity leads to Black Studies programs at more and more colleges; black intellectual movement intensifies More African-American participation in mainstream media, movies, television by the 70s Dramatically increased voter registration, number of black voters TRIPLES after 1965 More black elected officials and appointees at all levels of government

continued Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement Unfinished Work Forced busing, higher taxes, militancy, riots reduce white support for movement in the late 60s, early 70s White flight reverses much progress toward school integration Unemployment, poverty much higher for blacks than for whites • Affirmative action—extra effort to hire, enroll discriminated groups 1960s, colleges, companies doing government business adopt policy Late 1970s, some criticize policy as “reverse discrimination” During the mid-1970s, the “mass incarceration” of people of color, particularly African Americans begins as various subsequent U.S. presidents take a “tough on crime” stance which, while it resonates strongly with the rising “New Right”, also systemically targets people of color.

Latinos and Native Americans Seek Equality The Latino Presence Grows Latinos of Varied Origins 1960s Latino population grows from 3 million to 9 million Mexican Americans largest group, mostly in Southwest, California By1960, almost 900,000 Puerto Ricans living in U.S., mostly in NYC Cubans flee communism, form communities in NYC, Miami, NJ Central Americans, Colombians come to escape civil war, poverty Many Latinos encounter prejudice, discrimination in jobs, housing Many live in segregated communities, jobless rate and poverty rate nearly 50% higher than white Americans

Latinos Fight for Change The Farm Worker Movement César Chávez and Dolores Huerta form United Farm Workers Organizing Committee Farm workers in the southwest U.S. faced poor working conditions 1965: grape growers do not recognize union; Chávez sets up boycott, even goes on a hunger strike 1970: Huerta negotiates contract “Chicano! The Struggle in the Fields” (PBS doc) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIHCdjpFPrw What challenges did the Filipino farm workers face in Delano, California? Describe a few characteristics of the conflict between the workers and the growers Describe Bobby Kennedy’s response to the Delano Strike What role did the arts play in the Farm Worker Movement? Cultural Pride Puerto Ricans, Chicanos demand cultural recognition, better schools, organize various local grassroots initiatives 1968 Bilingual Education Act funds bilingual, cultural heritage programs Brown Berets organize walkouts in East LA high schools (15,000 students walk out) Movement spreads to higher education, students demand and win the establishment of Chicano Studies programs

Latinos Fight for Change {continued} Political Power Organized community support, grassroots initiatives around the country try to help elect Latino candidates from major parties La Raza Unida works on independent, Latino political movement first in Texas, then, spreading to most of the American southwest Founded by Jose Angel Gutierrez, 1970 — provided campaign support for Latino candidates, very successful in southwest Texas, winning local races for mayor, city councils and school boards, dominating local politics until the late 70s “Chicano! Fighting for Political Power” (PBS doc) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEqW_IF67pw What similarities and differences do you see between the African American and Latino civil rights movements? Describe the action taken by the students at the Crystal City High School and the results. What led to the ideological split between members of La Raza Unida?