Civil rights movement (black power movement) 3.3

What is the meaning of the term "Black Power"?

The term refers to a political slogan and set of ideologies promoting self-determination for Black people, popularized in the 1960s–1980s.

Who popularized the term "Black Power"?

Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael) during a speech on June 16, 1966.

What did Stokely Carmichael say during the March Against Fear?

"The only way we gonna stop them white men from whuppin' us is to take over. What we gonna start sayin' now is 'Black Power!'"

What issues did African Americans face in the North during the 1960s?

Poor housing, schooling, transport, healthcare, and high unemployment in inner-city ghettos.

How did poverty compare between Black and white families in 1967?

One-third of Black families lived below the poverty line, compared to 10% of whites.

What caused many African Americans to turn away from non-violent protest?

Frustration with the slow pace of change and belief that force was justified to achieve equality.

What event marked the beginning of major race riots?

The Watts Riots in Los Angeles, 1965.

What were the causes of the 1960s race riots?

Poor living conditions, police brutality, and social neglect in Black ghettos.

How did the U.S. government respond to the race riots?

President Johnson created the Kerner Commission and introduced reform programs to reduce poverty and discrimination.

What happened after Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968?

Riots erupted in over 100 American cities.

What did the Black Power Movement promote instead of integration?

Black pride, solidarity with Africa, political and cultural independence.

What were the core beliefs of the Black Power Movement?

Pride in being Black, self-determination, and rejection of white acceptance.

What was Stokely Carmichael’s role in the movement?

He led SNCC in 1966, promoted Black Power, and later joined the Black Panthers.

What happened to Stokely Carmichael after joining the Black Panthers?

He was put under FBI surveillance and had his passport confiscated after criticizing the Vietnam War.

Who was Malcolm X?

A human rights activist, Nation of Islam leader, and advocate of Black pride and self-reliance.

What changed Malcolm X’s views on race?

His pilgrimage to Mecca, where he saw Muslims of all races living peacefully.

Why was Malcolm X assassinated?

He broke away from the Nation of Islam and promoted more inclusive ideas, angering Black nationalists.

How did the FBI respond to Malcolm X?

They tracked his movements, recorded his calls, and compiled over 70 reports on him.

Who founded the Black Panther Party?

Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in 1966, in response to police brutality and Malcolm X’s assassination.

What were the goals of the Black Panther Party?

Self-defense, monitoring police, Black pride, socialism, and Black nationalism.

What was the Ten-Point Program?

A list of demands and beliefs created by the BPP outlining freedom, justice, education, housing, and an end to police brutality.

How did the Black Panthers express their message publicly?

Through uniforms, armed patrols, community programs, and newspaper publications.

What violent events were linked to the Black Panthers?

Shootouts with police, Newton’s arrest, and internal killings like that of Alex Rackley.

How did the FBI try to destroy the Black Panthers?

Through COINTELPRO, which infiltrated, disrupted, and discredited them, calling them a threat to national security.

What community programs did the Black Panthers run?

Free breakfast, food distribution, medical centers, schools, legal aid, and self-defense classes.

What was the Free Breakfast Program?

A program launched in 1968 that fed over 20,000 children across 19 cities.

What was the People’s Free Medical Center?

Clinics offering health services including disease screenings, especially for sickle cell anemia.

What was the Oakland Community School?

A BPP-run school offering meals, education, medical care, and revolutionary history lessons.

What did the BPP’s "Free Bus to Prison Program" do?

Provided transport for families to visit loved ones in prison.

What did the BPM achieve in terms of representation?

Encouraged Black participation in politics, leading to more elected officials.

Was the BPM successful overall?

Partially—it promoted Black pride and awareness but failed to fully end racism or achieve its separatist goals.

What were some criticisms of the BPM?

It lost moral ground gained by MLK, caused division, and failed to achieve major political change.