...Civil Rights Movement Parminder Singh History 145 September 20th, 2011 Christopher Jackson Civil Rights Movement In the early 1960s the American nation was struggling with anxiety in many different ways. The position of America in the world was sinking with the Soviet Union bringing competition to the table with their space programs that intimidated the American government. The public, itself, was concerned about the ‘visibility of Poverty, the rising frustrations of women,’ and most important, besides “other long-suppressed discontents” was the “growing pressures of African American and other minorities” (Brinkley (2007) p.821). The media had a large role on the way the society thought along with Martin Luther King and Malcolm X’s influences that changed the movement of civil rights later in the 1960s. The media in the 1960s was great at getting raw and non-bias stories, unlike in today’s era where most of the news Americans get is mainly leaning toward one side or the other. The media expressed how the African Americans deserved equal rights in the south and other areas; “when urban black parents attempt to intervene, they are characterized as “obstructionist” for requesting those participatory privileges in the educational process taken for granted by white suburbanite parents”[New York, N.Y] 13 Nov 1966: 276). The public’s opinion of civil rights grew with the media displaying raw footage of segregation. The white Americans that once were friends with or even...
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...Martin & Malcolm & America In this paper, there will be a primary focus on two of the most prominent leaders during the civil rights era. These two leaders are Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. The paper will discuss how these extraordinary men made their phenomenal contributions to America by offering to bring about their own political, racial, and social views that were affecting the people of color. Their ability to voice their strong opinions about the injustices that were taking place among African Americans and the oppositions that were before them gave them the durability to prolong the fight for freedom and justice. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were both men of purpose, dignity, and pride. The ongoing effort they gave for the people and to the people helped them to earn the respect that has followed them for decades. For that reason, this paper will reflect the ways in which both men contributed to the African American culture and the shaping of America in an effort to bring about a change that was needed to move forward. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X had different political philosophies; however, they both went about using different methods to campaign for civil rights. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a champion of non-violent protests and peace marches. His speeches entranced both blacks and whites into action for the civil rights movement. MLK knew that if the blacks worked for peace, peacefully, then equality was inevitable. “What they...
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...The Movement of The Past Throughout history, mankind has struggled to determine what is ethical and what is not. There are many leaders who stand out for their courageous efforts to change what was wrong with society to create a better place for posterity. These leaders go down in history as bold, brave heroes of our time and are looked upon for guidance. A more current movement than that of slavery, is the Civil Rights Movement, which still continues to have a huge effect on the United States of America, as well as other nations across the world. Two leaders that stand out and affect all of us personally are Malcolm X and Rosa Parks. These two distinct individuals broke away from the unjust laws and regulations that they had to abide by...
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...Running head: CIVIL RIGHTS IN THE SIXTIES 1 Civil Rights in the sixties Michael Crawford HIS/145 December 1, 2011 Amy Linimon Civil Rights in the sixties Civil Rights Movement: An Introduction America was a country borne out of a group of people's desire for Freedom from oppression, under the Lockean belief of human equality. Despite this however, discrimination & racism coloured American history. Indeed, it wasn't until the early part of the 20th century when the American Legal System formally recognized African Americans as 'citizens'. In America then, how are minorities seen? Remember that America was born out of the former New England Colonies that were once under the British. Therefore, America is predominantly made up of Anglo-Europeans who can trace their roots back to Europe & the Colonial Period. In the 1950's, any group that are not equally represented & enjoying the same rights & privileges under the protection of the American constitution or could but due to ethnicity & other factors are discriminated against is considered a minority. Women since the birth of the nation have struggled for gender equality, hence back then they were also considered a 'minority'. Even in the There were of course the African-Americans who were big players in the Civil Rights movement. The American Indians are also considered minorities although they were not as politically visible as pushing for the civil rights movement as the feminists & the African Americans (Rosa Parks, Martin Luther...
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...compare to the enormous amount of impact that Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X had. Both men displayed a massive amount of courage while trying to put an end to racism when no one else dared to. They both stood up for what they believed in no matter how much they were ridiculed. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were two of the most recognized leaders in history who both had the same objective of putting a stop to racism but had several differences in their background, philosophy, and influences. Although they were alike in many aspects, the location and setting in which they were raised caused a distinction in the way they led. When Malcolm was six years old his father was killed by the Black Legionaries. This played an enormous role in his mother’s break down, which put her in a mental institution. Malcolm’s mother, Louise, could not handle raising eight children during the Great Depression, especially without their father. This is what led to six of the children becoming wards of the state. One of those children was Malcolm, who soon thereafter began to live a life of crime including drugs, con games, and thievery. Just before he turned twenty-one years old Malcolm was sentenced to eight to ten years in prison for burglary. In prison, Malcolm had to educate himself, and developed his debating skills, and pledged to replace black self-hate with black self-esteem (Treanor 107). The fact that Malcolm educated himself was later reflected in his speeches when he used a language...
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...The definition of a revolutionary according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is: Causing or relating to a great or complete change. And that is just what Malcolm X was. Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925. Married to Betty Shabazz, had 6 children (Attallah Shabazz, Qubilah Shabazz, Ilyasah Shabazz, Gamilah Lumumba Shabazz, Malikah Shabazz, and Malaak Shabazz) was heavily affiliated with Black nationalism, Pan-Africanism and the Nation of Islam. Malcolm was assassinated on February 21, 1965 by a man named Thomas Hagan. Malcolm X was a predominant leader in the Nation of Islam. The Nation of Islam was recognized as “black muslims”. Before Malcolm’s conversion to the Nation of Islam from Christianity he had a troubled childhood....
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...collaborated to change their status in society. This challenge of fighting against discrimination and for racial equality among racial groups became one of the most important times in United States history; it was the beginning of what we know as the Civil Rights Movement. The fight for racial equality started long before the 1950’s, in the early 1900’s, the NAACP (the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People) was created by Booker T. Washington, and Webb Du Bios, Mr. Washington was actually an ex-slave. As the NAACP grew in numbers and support, the NAACP also published its own newspaper, showing progress, and enticing people to come forward to support for their rights. One of its first victories was the laws of segregation in housing, and also the right of African Americans to jury duty. The NAACP helped in establishing other groups such as CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) which their purpose was to end discrimination. The founders of the NAACP had the same cause in mind, but, there was conflict in their views. Webb Du Bois believed in ending racial discrimination, but, Booker T. Washington believed that African Americans needed to become economically independent to prove their equality. African Americans did not...
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...Rhetorical Analysis of the “Ballot or the Bullet” and “Somebody Blew Up America” The purpose of this essay to compare and contrast the rhetoric in Amira Baraka’s “Somebody Blew up America” and Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet in regards to ethos, pathos, and logos. Amiri Baraka, born Everett LeRoi Jones, was an African-American writer of poetry, drama, fiction, essays, and music criticism. Baraka read his poem “Somebody Blew up America?” on the September 11th attacks and was heavily criticized for anti-Semitism and attacks on public figures. His poem is free verse and has no set structure but maintains its rhythmic elements for oral sharing. The poem was meant to be shared orally so that Baraka would be able to emphasize and share lines specifically for an audience. Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was an African-American Muslim minister...
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...The American Civil War, simply know as the Civil War throughout the United States was fought from 1861 to 1865. It was a fight between the north and the south, formally referred to as the Confederacy and the Union. The origin of the war revolved around the pressing issue of slavery, especially the expansion of slavery into the western territories. In 1865, after four years of bloodshed that left over 600,000 Confederate and Union soldiers dead, the Confederacy collapsed and much of the south’s infrastructure had been destroyed. The Civil War had come to an end. Slavery was abolished and the difficult process of restoring national unity and guaranteeing civil rights to the freed slaves began. This period is noted in history as the Reconstruction Era. Working towards a progressive tomorrow, the American Civil War marked the start of a dramatic shift in America’s thinking. At the start of the Reconstruction Era (post Civil War), the South was left torn apart. Roads and houses needed to be rebuilt and the people needed assistance. From 1863 to 1865, presidents Andrew Johnson and Abraham Lincoln took adequate steps designed solely for the purpose of bringing the South back to a level of economic stability. Radical Republicans consisted of American politicians within the Republican Party. They supported the rights of African Americans to vote, hold political office, and have the same economic and legal freedoms and opportunities as the whites. During the whole of the Reconstruction...
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...Ever since the Reconstruction era after the Civil War there has been the issue of race and equality and rights. A movement occurred and two men gained power and influence the African American community. Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X two men having experienced different things in their lives held different beliefs and morals and influenced people based upon those things. Martin Luther King Jr., came from a Baptist home with a fairly easy childhood, he was educated when he was younger and attended Morehouse College, an all black college, where he had several role models that shaped his beliefs. Malcolm X, on the other hand, experienced a hard childhood and used drugs and committed other crimes in his early adult years. While in prison he found a father figure in Elijah Muhammad and joined the Nation of Islam. There are many differences between Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X in the way they acted and influenced the African American community. This paper will look to describe their differing views and analyze their actions and their lives. In most cases a person’s childhood has a lasting affect on the rest of a person’s life. In comparing Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X this seems to be the case. Martin Luther King Jr., was born January 19, 1929 and was raised by a strong supportive family. He had a somewhat privileged life and “never experienced the feeling of not having the basic necessities of life.”[1] His father “was a community leader in Atlanta...
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...10/13/06 American History Essence Harden 5/2/00 African-American Civil Rights “Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation.” –Coretta Scott King, page666 The 1960’s were a time of great turmoil in America and throughout the world. One of the main topics that arouse was black civil rights. In my essay I plan to compare the difference of opinion between these particular writers and directors, towards racism and the civil rights movement in the 1960’s The movement truly got underway with civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King jr. and Malcolm X in the early 1960’s. Students who wanted to bolt on the equality and protest bandwagon quickly followed. Most of the students went to the Southern states (Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, etc.), to stop the racism and hate crimes. The truth of the matter is that the violence and abhorrence would get worse before it got better. The Klan became stronger and more violent, committing many more lynching and gruesome murders. Bit by bit most of the Caucasian Americans came around to the idea of integration, and did not believe that the African Americans as a ‘threat’ anymore. The only reason that this great monumental change occurred was because of the great leadership of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King jr., and not to mention the thousands of other less famous civil rights leaders, that worked to change the views of their community. There also where lobbyist and protesters...
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...Unit Nine: Final Project Introduction The final project for this course calls for us to consider and share how one event from the 1960s has influenced our personal life, our career choice, and the global community. It also asks us to discuss how our own life would be different if one specific event of the 1960s had never occurred and how different the world would be if that same event had never occurred. As the mother of bi-racial twin girls and as relates to the Civil Rights Movement, I thought this a very easy assignment, I was wrong. After writing several pages of text – the brutal honesty of my life - it occurred to me that I need to separate the project due to my own personal biases. Please let it be known that I am grateful for the Civil Rights movement and equal opportunity for all – race, creed, color and sex. I have a very good understanding of the Civil Rights Movement and will attempt to depict that in part two of my paper, however I have my own story as well and is that that I am going to include in part 1. Understand this is not a story I frequently share and it is a part of my life that I try to forget. It is a long story and I will attempt to give a very simple version, though I will also admit my first thoughts were to alter it – to make this project easier. My thoughts are that perhaps some of you can learn something from tale, perhaps I will make a change in the need to continue with our drastic need to forget and forgive...
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...Malcolm X A Controversial Leader Iris Robinson Central Michigan University PSC 785 Dr. Robert Boggs Abstract This paper is going analyze the leadership traits, behavior and power that made Malcolm X the type of leader that he was. Malcolm X was considered a great leader to some people because of what he believed in. Malcolm X was a very controversial leader because of his views on different subject. This paper will show how Malcolm X went from follower to a leader. Malcolm X possess a lot of good trait that people look for in good leader such as motivator, responsible, assertive, self-confidence, firm and task orientate and most of all honesty. Leadership can be defined as a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task. Leadership is also a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. There are certain trait that a good leader must possessed such as excellent communication skills, be direct, be fair, capable and kind yet firm. Good leader also possess certain personal qualities. A good leader needs to have an exemplary character. A good leader should be enthusiastic about their work or cause and also about their role as leader. A good leader should be confident. A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. Good leaders...
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... Arjun Tummala Honors US History - H Block Mr. Kurt Wahlgren March 15, 2024 To what extent did the activism of Cleveland Browns running back Jim Brown shape perceptions of athletes as advocates for social change? Table of Contents:. Introduction Jim Brown's Emergence as an Activist Public Perceptions and Reactions Legacy and Influence on Athlete Activism Tainted Legacy Conclusion. Both historically and contemporarily, professional athletes have gained popularity not solely for their exceptional abilities within their respective sports, but also for...
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...of Malcolm X. They were present at a rally in New York City on that tragic day in February 1965. Malcolm X was a grassroots leader, and the stories that my grandparents shared with me was impressed by his honesty and devotion to his idea of self-emancipation (Sales Jr., 1994, p. 207). His charismatic leadership helped him involve street elements in the struggle for Black liberation. My grandparents belonged to that social stratum, as well as their friends who also were present at that rally. From the stories I heard about him, I considered him with all sincerity of my heart to be a great teacher whom I revered for his morality. He did not receive any formal education. He challenged me, a person in his early twenties, with his idea of a better world in which we all were destined to live. He has verbalized some of my thoughts in an open way. His speech was not wordy but very precise. From his speeches, I was able to get a better understanding of the Black history. Whatever he said, he was honest; I believed his words as I read his work and was influenced by his awakening forces; I wanted to transform myself within the framework of Malcolm’s civic movement. I enjoyed learning and reading about Malcolm X because his words were truthful and trustworthy. It felt as if he was talking to me personally. It was a great and unforgettable feeling. He expressed his...
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