Black Civil Rights Movement In Art

The Black Civil Rights Movement in Art:

Sabraj Bhathal

November 19, 2015

Mrs. Bellini

AVI 1OR

Introduction

The American black civil rights movement, a social movement in the United States, with the purpose of ending racial segregation against African Americans (Gary Younge, 2013). This movement paved the way for many politically motivated artists in the 20th century, which led to the beginning of the black arts movement, which still to this date, continues to inspire artists whom are not treated equally during their day to day lives. While the Civil rights movement, involved major protests in cities around the country, the black arts movement focused on inspiring artists to stand up for themselves through their art and created a

Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you are a man you take it.” (Malcom X, n.d) This quote perfectly explains the uprising for equality of African Americans. The black civil rights movement of the 20th century took place, between the years of 1954 and 1968. These movements did not just change the way African Americans were treated but also marked the start of many black leaders. The civil rights and arts movements created social activists that have been remembered, as the people who laid the stepping stones towards African Americans being treated equally. Martin Luther King JR, Malcom X, Nelson Mandela, Rosa parks, and Marva Collins are all examples of African American leaders. The movements never officially ended, because yet legally African Americans have equality but there are still numerous incidents involving racism. There were three major eras in the movements. The black arts movements started with the post Malcom X era which lasted between the years of 1965 and 1967. Next came the “I have a dream era” which occurred in 1968 and then the post Martin Luther King JR. Era which lasted between 1969 and

Yet it might feel like black people are still not treated fairly, compared to a few hundred years back it has been a drastic improvement. “Peace cannot be achieved through violence; it can only be attained through understanding.” (Emerson, n.d) This is what the people of the Black Civil Rights and arts movement did; they kept peace and attained it through understanding not violence. Throughout the multiple years the Black Civil Rights movement has taken place, the people it changed and the numerous of opportunities it created have been substantial to how we live in current day. Without the movement, the world wouldn’t be as socially advanced as we are now. Knowing that there are still a lot of people in the world that show hate towards people over race, sexuality and/or gender, ever since these two moments, people have felt confident to release art without being hated on over there race. Due to all of this, the Black Civil Rights Movement has had a major impact on all artists around the world, and will never be forgotten. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that” (King,