Black people needed to become aware of their collective power both economically and politically. People of African descent must create their own value system, where they were self-defined not defined by white superiors. Therefore Black Consciousness’ main belief was, that racial domination had become internalized, thus causing low self-esteem, which in turn allowed room for political disunity and encouraged a dependence on white leadership. The philosophy of Black Consciousness was to break this set of attitudes and form a new belief in black self-reliance and dignity. It was only when this was achieved could black the man truly be liberated both physically and mentally.
Two great Negro leaders that emerged for this cause were Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. With these two strong-headed men, another problem arose. They both sharply disagreed upon the strategies needed to gain these equalities. Washington preferred a gradual, submissive, and economically based plan.
While DuBois respected Booker T. Washington and his accomplishments, he felt that blacks needed political power to protect what they had and what they earned. DuBois called for a new plan of action. He felt that the greatest enemy of blacks was not necessarily whites but it was the ignorance of the whites concerning the capabilities of the black race. DuBois 's answer was to encourage the development of black youth in
The notoriety of Black Nationalism stemmed from the controversy it caused when compared to Dr. Kings methods of nonviolence. Dr. King and his goals for an integrated society came to be considered the best and most moral options for the black struggle against white supremacy. Black Nationalists, esp... ... middle of paper ... ... no means of escaping their poverty. Black Nationalism provided cultural enrichment, social uplift, and political literacy to a group of people who had been cast aside and forgotten. Although, it is often remember as a belief system obscured by turmoil and dissidence, Black Nationalism, at its heart was created as a means of community outreach and support.
African American history has revolved around the struggle for overcoming negative social forces whether it is in regards to slavery or post-slavery. Throughout most of American history, laws and folkways have been formed. These laws forced African Americans into seeking other alternatives that would allow them to envision their potential by seeking opportunities for economic, intellectual and autonomy. Black Nationalism was a call for Black power. It brought about independence from the society and emphasized the collective action of African Americans based on shared heritage and common concerns.
African American religious culture is a distinct custom in America. The distinct identity of African-American culture is deeply rooted in the historical experience of the African-America... ... middle of paper ... ... to find their identity. However, Cone and Wilmore proposed the ideas of Black theology that help us realize that it is possible to be Black in America. Cone especially believed that there is power in the African-American race. Raboteau shows how we can adapt to any cruelty just as the slaves did to support their religion and culture.
Afrocentrism is the cultural movement in which African-Americans embrace the African culture. It has inspired strong opinions and scholastic debate throughout its history. Afro-centrists misinterpret both African culture and their personal histories. They reject negative aspects of their history and the Afrocentric movement as a collective has a selfish attitude, especially in relation to other cultures. In Everyday Use, Alice Walker uses Dee to represent the major aspects of the Afrocentric movement.
Martin Luther King Jr. was an effective influential activist that revolutionized our world today with the Civil Rights Movement through his strong ambitions, actions, and powerful speeches. Martin Luther King Jr. was a very influential man. He crafted great speeches and writings that caused a strong change for the Civil Rights. He wrote letters that encouraged people to act and to make a change (Leone, 1996). After this, people started to gain to raise energy for a change in the rights for black African Americans.
The opposing ideas of these African American leaders are illustrated in Du Bois’ short story, “Of the Coming of John”, where Du Bois implies his opposition to Washington’s ideas. He shows that the subordination of educated black individuals does not result in gaining respect or equality from the white community. In fact, he suggests that subordination would lead the black community to be further oppressed by whites. However contrasting their views might have been, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois were significant influential black leaders of their time, who changed the role of the black community in America.
Washington had different points of finding a way to gain equal rights for the African- Americans; both dedicated their lives to the same goals. However, Du Bois had more reasonable reasons in his proposition for the advancement of African- Americans. He aimed for success, the success that African Americans deserved and no longer accepted being treated lower. Du Bois stated that intelligence is the key, no matter what “Education must not simply teach work – it must teach life” (the talented tenth). Both backgrounds strongly influenced the way they attacked the “Negro