1. Black Power

2. The rise of black power…
African Americans were frustrated with the slow progress of the nonviolent protests
SNCC and other organizations kicked out their white members
Young African Americans were promoting “black power”

3. What was black power???
Some believed it meant physical self-defense and violence were acceptable in order to defend your freedom
Others believed that it meant African Americans should be allowed to “control the social, political and economic direction of their struggles”

4. Black Power: Pride in African American culture
Afro hairstyles & clothing
African/ African American classes in college
Preferred racial distinctiveness instead of adapting to the dominant culture

5. Malcolm X Symbol of black power movement
Joined Black Muslims: which preached black nationalism
Black Muslims:
Attempted to be self-sufficient
Did not advocate violence but rather self-defense
Separated themselves from other races to form their own communities

6. What happened to Malcolm X?
Broke from the Black Muslims after trip to Mecca
Criticized the organization and leader
Three members shot him while giving a speech
His legacy:
“African Americans may have been victims of the past but they did not have to allow racism to victimize them in the present”

8. The Black Panthers Founders were influenced by Malcolm X
Black Panther Party for Self-Defense:
Urged African Americans to arm themselves and force white society to give them equal rights
Created community programs to try to combat poverty and improve health
Unfortunately, their military tactics overshadowed the good they were doing
Ultimate goal was to advance social justice for African Americans