Malcolm X & Black Power Flashcards
Who was Malcom X?
Malcom X was a black man who was imprisoned in 1946 and joined the Nation of Islam (NOI). He became interested in Black Nationalism and worked as an NOI minister, then a spokesman.
What were Malcom X’s beliefs?
He rejected non-violent protests and criticised MLK. Eventually, he left the NOI and became more willing to accept integration. He also met CORE and SNCC.
Eventually, he was assassinated by the NOI in 1965
What did Black Power believe?
- they encouraged black people to take pride in their heritage
- rejected help from black people and believed black people should care for themselves
- they argued against forced integration
Who supported Black Power?
They were most popular with the poor, as they worked on local issues and tried to improve the lives of people living in ghettos.
Who was Stokely Carmichael?
He was an SNCC member who set up the Lowndes County Freedom Organisation as a party to represent black americans. Their symbol was a panther which eventually became symbolic of the black power movement.
What was the March Against Fear?
In June 1966, James Meredith was shot while leading a march through Mississippi. After his shooting, MLK and Carmichael took over and led the march.
What happened after the March Against Fear?
Carmichael’s inspirational speeches led to a change in tactics. People began to turn against both white support and non-violence, CORE and SNCC became less welcoming of white support.
What was the impact of the Mexico 68 olympics?
After Tommie Smith & John Carlos won gold and bronze, they raised their clenched fists to display the Black Power symbol. They received threats and abuse and were condemned by US papers. However, it brought worldwide publicity to the black power movement.
Who were the Black Panthers?
The Black Panthers were one of the largest Black Power groups and one of the most feared. They were set up in October 1966 by Huey P Newton and Bobby Seale.
Why did the Black Panthers gain so much media attention?
They went to the State Capitol in Sacramento carrying guns to protest against a proposed law which would ban people from openly carrying guns.
What was the Black Panthers’ main beliefs?
They believed that white orficials and police should not be supporting black communities. They said black people needed black officials and police.
They were however willing to co-operate with some white people who shared their beliefs.
What did the Black Panthers do?
- Patrolled streets in black communities to keep them safe
- Ran courses on black history and citizens’ rights
- Organised medical clinics and provided free shows for poor black people
- Carried guns for self defence and tape recorders to tape police harassment
- Pressured local governments to provide street lighting and aid for ghetto comunities.
What did the Panthers achieve?
They helped improve livimg conditions at a local level in ghetto communities. Their breakfast clubs and health clinics were partially successful. However, most of their funds came from unwilling black businesses. Some panthers were even arrested for robbing banks.
In October 1967, Huey Newton was wounded in a shoot-out with the police and charged with murder. As a result of this, the panthers began a campaign known as “Free Huey” and publicity grew rapidly.
