Black power movement

Grossly generalising here, what was the black power movement at this time?

A group that showed willingness to fight their oppression with violence if needed. They had a strong sense of community and a deep pride in their black identity, rejecting the use of skin bleach and hair relaxers.

What was the most influential black power group (and what did they do that counters how the media viewed them)?

The black panthers, founded by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in 1966. Although often portrayed as radical thugs, they did lots of peaceful community work such as local breakfast clubs for children in black communities.

When did the wider black power movement start to form?

in 1966 after the Meredith march by the SNCC in which a black man walking to register to vote was shot by a sniper. This created clear divisions in the civil rights movement and the SNCC and CORE expelled all their white members in 66 and 68 respectively following this.

Who didn’t like the black power movement? (6)

Most white people- saw it as radical and threatening

The government (mostly white)- see above

Integrationists- disliked the black supremacy aspects

Many southerners- disliked violence

MLK- “revolution w/o a programme”

NAACP- claimed they were no better than the KKK

What were the positive impacts of the black power movement? (3)

HUGE publicity for the wider cause of civil rights, got lots of support after MLK’s assassination

Amplified black culture in the media

Raised morale

What were the negative impacts of the black power movement? (4)

Alienated government, were unfairly targeted by the FBI (Nixon, operation chaos)

Loss of white support, notably wealthy donors to CORE and SNCC

Alienated the integrationist branch of the civil rights movement

lack of a long term plan