The emergence of effective black leaders Flashcards
Introduction
Historians argue that another reason for the development of the civil rights movement was effective black leaders.
Knowledge 1
Leaders such as Malcolm X emerged in the 1950s who was seen as a very confrontational speaker. He believed non-violent meant being defenceless and stated black people needed to figure out their own futures without relying on white help.
Analysis 1
This led to the growth of the civil rights movement because Malcolm X was one of the first black civil rights activists to draw attention to problems of crime and unemployment in ghettos and gained support from young, Northern African Americans that were annoyed due to the slow progress of ending de facto segregation.
Knowledge 2
Furthermore, the Black Panthers gained attention and news headlines for their contribution to the black civil rights movement. Founded by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, they resembled a militia group in black berets, black glasses, and combat clothing.
Analysis 2
This helped the development of the civil rights movement as they provided support for black people by fundraising breakfast clubs for disadvantaged children in ghettos and support groups for the community. This brought black people closer together to stand for each other.
Counter Analysis
However, this development was limited because by the 1970s, the Black Panthers membership had deteriorated. Furthermore, many historians argue that more radical black leaders such as Malcolm X were only attracting support after MLK was assassinated.
Evaluation
To evaluate, it is clear that black leaders should be credited with capitalising on media opportunities to promote their ideas to encourage black Americans to fight for equality. For example, Stokely Carmichael had extreme ideas and believed in ‘Black Power’ just like Marcus Garvey. He attracted many black Americans living in ghettos and by 1918, a large number of black Americans believed that non-violence was no longer an option.
