Malcolm X Flashcards
The Black Power Movement
The BPM
Black Power was adopted by radical
Black Americans who preached “guerrilla warfare” and self-defence as opposed to liberals, who desired reform and conservatives who demanded self-help
Malcolm X
Malcolm X, embraced Black Power
To him, the civil rights had to expand to be expanded to the level of human rights for civil human rights meant that one is asking for the White American to treat Blacks equal by passing legislation, but human rights are God-given, and Blacks therefore need to acquire Allies Allies and drag America before the UNO and the world court for human rights violation
He also believed in black unity (Black separatism) first before racial integration
Challenges faced by the Blacks
Blacks had to address their challenges by championing the notion of “Black is Beautiful”, rejecting the skin bleaches, wearing afro-hair styles, chanting “I am Black, and proud of it”, raising fist salute, rejecting White Christianity, defining their own identity (African-American) as opposed to negro or (Coloured) and became self-reliant, i.e. forming Black political parties, black owned businesses, independent Black schools, etc. Black unity had to be established first before racial integration
Whites were allowed to assist but could not join their ‘struggle’ for freedom
The Black Panther Party
The Black Panther Party, was another manifestation of Black Power
They attracted the Black American who was disillusioned with slow progress and the poverty-stricken conditions of Blacks in ghettos
Thus, the Panthers believed that power must be wrested back, black must be given a sense of pride in his African culture and in his identity
Racism was analysed in terms of imperialism and capitalism
Thus, to them a certain amount of socialism was necessary to improve black lot. Slogan “land, Bread, Housing, Education, Clothing, Justice and Health” e.g. Community Programmes launched to alleviate poverty and improve health conditions
Alliances were also forged with feminism . E.g. Angela Davis, brought gender politics to the Panthers
They were criticized for being too violent confronting law enforcement
The Nation of Islam
To the Nation of Islam, ‘any means possible’ were used to achieve freedom and justice
They mobilized the Blacks who were not prepared to victims of police brutality and white violence
