The Black Power Movement “The Black Power Movement is about making black skin powerful and beautiful” - Dr. Anthony Brown

A. Race Riots 1. Watts riot A Black motorist was pulled over for drinking and driving, which escalated into an argument and then a fight. This followed with a 6 day race riot, which took place in Watts Neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. (34 deaths, 900 injuries, $34 million damage) Race riots erupted in many cities over the next few years 2. Kerner Commission – concluded the riots were caused by unfulfilled expectations of the Civil Rights movement

B. Black Power Stokely Carmichael, as leader of SNCC and frustrated that nonviolence failed to bring about change, called for “black power”. Black Power was an ideology of bringing about and fighting for self-determination of the Black population by empowering the black population. This movement predominately took place in the North throughout the late 60s and 70s.

C. Nation of Islam Malcolm X – member and leader of the Nation of Islam (“Black Muslims”). He promoted black nationalism (separation from white society) by using force if necessary. Malcolm X was willing to meet violence with violence, but was assassinated by members of the Nation of Islam in 1965. MLK v. Malcolm X Video

D. Black Panther Party Black Panther Party – founded by Bobby Seale and Huey Newton. The organization provided many services to the black population and worked to end police brutality.

E. Black Power Culture Black Power wanted to empower the Black population, and emphasize the natural beauty of the Black race. New music, dance, dress, and hairstyles became popular amongst not only the Black population, but all of America. Famous Black artists like Maya Angelou empowered the Black population with literature and poetry. Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and James Brown were just some of the many Black musicians/singers of this time. Soul Train Video I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. -Maya Angelou