Created by: Mr. Chansen, Stephen T. Department Head - Sunset High School Dallas Independent School District ”No.” - Rosa Parks

Urban Problems 1950’s – 1960’s Many new laws protecting the rights of minority groups Laws did not stop racism, just made it informal Laws cannot change what someone holds in their heart Economics / Urban Poverty still a major problem Urban statistics of the early – mid 1960’s About 70% of African Americans lived in large cities Only 15% help professional/manager positions Average income for AA Families was 55% that of white families Unemployment nearly double that of whites

Urban Riots Five days after President Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act, riots erupt in Watts Watts is an African American neighborhood in Los Angeles Protests/riots are fueled by allegations of police brutality Lasted six days and required 14,000 National Guard troops & 1,500 police to subdue Protests/riots break out in dozens of other cities from 1964 – A riot in Detroit in 1967 ended with 43 dead, 1,000 injured, and and damage of over $200 million!

The Kerner Commission Same year as riots began, President Johnson creates the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders Headed by Illinois Governor Otto Kerner The group was created to find the reason for these riots and then make recommendations. The commission determined that racism was the root cause of most of the issues leading to the riots. “Our nation is moving toward two societies, one white and one black – separate and unequal.”

Shift in Focus to Economic Rights Mid-60’s, Dr. King switches his focus over to economic problems effecting African Americans. To draw attention to the housing problems, he and his wife moved into the slums of Chicago. Made very little progress Led a march through an all-white neighborhood, encountered worse violence than in Selma Met with Mayor, realtors, and bankers. Little changed

Black Power Dr. King’s lack of progress in Chicago showed young African American’s that non- violence did not always work. Especially for economic issues After 1965 many (mostly young) African Americans began to become more radicalized. Believed that African Americans alone, should lead their organizations. Saw violence as acceptable when used to defend themselves Coined the term black power, which was: the mobilization of the political and economic power of African Americans, especially to compel respect for their rights and to improve their condition. Pride in being African American Black Panthers Stockely Carmichael

Malcolm X Born Malcolm Little, in Omaha, Nebraska Difficult Childhood Sent to prison for burglary Educated himself while in prison Join the Nation of Islam Commonly called the Black Muslims Different than other Muslims, they preached black nationalism Changes his name to Malcolm X to honour his African ancestors who had lost their family names to slavery. Eventually broke away from the Nation of Islam Went on a pilgrimage (or Hajj) to Mecca, the holy city of Islam. There he saw Muslim of many different races worshiping together When he returned he denounced separatism and black nationalism Continued to criticize his former organization As a result, two members killed him Groups like the Black Panthers were a direct result of the preaching's of Malcolm X. Created in 1966 These groups focused on black power, black nationalism, and self- sufficiency.

Dr. King is Assassinated March 1968 Dr. King went to Memphis, TN to show his support for a strike by the African American sanitation workers. The SCLC had been planning a “Poor Peoples Campaign,” to force the government to contribute billions of dollars to end poverty. April 4, 1968 Dr. King was standing on his hotel balcony in Memphis A sniper shot and killed him His death resulted in national mourning and many riots. Riots in more than 100 cities SCLC continues with their campaign, but it is not successful Civil Rights Act of 1968 Often called the Fair Housing Act of 1968 Outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, or national origin when selling a home. This was to overcome racial prejudices practices from banks, loan officers, and realtors. The death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marked the fragmentation of the Civil Rights Movement.