Challenges and Changes in the Movement Section 29-3 pp. 923-929 “Blacks might have won the right to vote, eat at white lunch counters, sit at the front of the bus, and attend white colleges, but most still lived in poverty. True social change, many argued, would come only with revolution, not integration”
African Americans Seek Greater Equality Problems in the North De Facto Segregation: Based on practices and customs Hard to eliminate De Jure Segregation: Legal Segregation
African Americans Seek Greater Equality Problems in the North Decaying urban neighborhoods Poor Schools High Unemployment
Nation of Islam Led by Elijah Muhammad Advocated black nationalism Black pride Economic independence The Nation of Islam was founded in Detroit in 1930 Work to uplift impoverished blacks Based upon ideas of Marcus Garvey Recognize distinctiveness of black culture Saw all whites as enemies
New Leaders Voice Discontent Malcolm X Leader in Nation of Islam Advocated black nationalism Rejected integration and nonviolence Use violence to defend selves Born Malcolm Little Father was a civil rights activist, murdered by white racists Sentenced to prison in 1946 and converted to Islam “X” represents identity and heritage lost during slavery
New Leaders Voice Discontent Malcolm X Leaves Nation of Islam Pilgrimage to Mecca changes views Advocated integration Supported nonviolence Assassinated in 1965 New Name= el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, Gunned down by three member of Nation of Islam
New Leaders Voice Discontent Black Power Led by Stokley Carmichael Based on militancy, self-reliance, independence, and nationalism Black Power Salute” was the moment during the 1968 Olympics, in which African-Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos exultantly gestured skyward, effectively leveling the playing field for civil rights. During the Mexico City games, Smith won the 200-meter race, setting a world record, and Carlos placed third. On the podium, they made a statement for equality by wearing symbolic attire and raising black-gloved fists during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The backlash was immediate and vicious-Smith and Carlos were expelled from the U.S. Olympic team, and even received death threats. This powerful image endured, becoming symbolic of African-American athletes’ quest for equality.
New Leaders Voice Discontent Black Panthers Demanded immediate equality Patrolled urban neighborhoods Provided healthcare and education Violent tactics alienated whites Formed to fight against police brutality Equality = economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and end to fighting in Vietnam Federal government cracked down on the Panthers and contributed to their demise
1968: A Turning Point in Civil Rights Dr. King shot in April 1968 Led to riots in cities nationwide RFK shot June 1968 Strong supporter of civil rights
Legacy of the Movement Kerner Commission Successes Violence in cities caused by white racism Successes Civil Rights Act of 1968 Banned segregation in public facilities Greater voting rights
Legacy of the Movement Failures Affirmative Action White Flight Unemployment Affirmative Action Special efforts to hire or enroll minorities