Black Power movement; malcolm X and oppression

Timeframe: Late 1950s and early 1970s
Relation to Civil Rights: Discussion on the connections and differences between black power movements and human rights; the historical context of civil rights movements taking place around the same time.

Discussion on Malcolm X: Explanation of his approach and philosophy.
Black Studies: Importance of understanding black studies beyond academic goals; relevance in everyday life outside the classroom.

Focus on Racism: Analysis of the roots of oppression, especially highlighting racism.
Violence as Resistance:
- Malcolm X's perspective on the use of violence as a means to achieve black liberation.
- Not viewing violence merely as an act of resistance against white supremacy but as self-defense against systemic violence.
Contrast to Martin Luther King Jr.:
- Malcolm X viewed as an antithesis to Martin Luther King due to his acceptance of violence.
- King's philosophy prioritizes nonviolent resistance as the core of the civil rights movement.
- Malcolm X criticizes the limitations of nonviolence, stating that violence may be necessary in the face of ongoing violence targeting black individuals.

Definition and Implications: Exploring the definition of colonialism and its basic description:
- Colonialism: The collection of wealth through occupied land by a foreign power; involves economic, cultural, and racial dynamics.
Historical Context: A reference to pre-independence America (13 colonies) as an example of colonial struggle against British rule; the notion of 'no taxation without representation.'
Incorporation of Race: Emphasizing the need to include race in discussions about colonialism, particularly regarding its broader implications in both Africa and elsewhere.

Timeline: Emergence in the late 1930s, gaining momentum in the 1940s and 1950s.
Catenation with Harlem Renaissance:
- Mention of Langston Hughes and critiques regarding the racialization of African American art.
- Connection to Marcus Garvey's ideas on pan-Africanism and global black identity in the 1920s.
- Important figures such as Aimé Césaire, contributing to post-colonial discourse.

Connection to Colonialism: Addressing how the legacy of slavery roots the understanding of colonialism as a system of dominance.
Dichotomy: Understanding the connection between concepts, likened to Du Bois's notion of double consciousness.

Independence Celebration: June 1960 event marking independence from Belgium.
King Baudouin's Address:
- His admiration for King Leopold II despite the brutal legacy of his rule, resulting in massive fatalities among the Congolese.
- His patronizing remarks made to the Congolese about not changing their systems unless they could do better.
Patrice Lumumba's Speech:
- Challenges Baudouin's narrative, highlighting the importance of giving voice to Congolese suffering.
- Signals a turning point in Lumumba's political standing, leading to his assassination orchestrated by the CIA due to his revolutionary ideals.

US Foreign Policy: Contextualizing the US government's involvement in global affairs during the 50s and 60s, often using revolutionary struggles as an excuse for intervention.
Labeling of the US as a Colonial Power: Presenting the contradictions of labeling the US as a democracy rather than acknowledging its colonial tendencies, such as the governance structure in Puerto Rico.
Racial Hierarchy and Social Structures: Discussion on how these structures are maintained to protect the interests of the ruling authorities; examples from various regions in the world are indicative of the US's broader strategy.

Handouts: Distribution of materials for discourse on colonial living; students are encouraged to perform close readings to deepen their understanding of discussed themes.