Login Form
| “Black Power” |
|
|
|
The term "Black Power" dates to 1440 when Africans used it in relation to European invasions (done to claim Africa's land, riches, and people) so as to indicate they were an unconquerable people. Later, it meant Black Unity related to ending White domination. In post-Civil War USA, "Black Power" can be seen in the writings of Fredrick Douglass and W. E. B. DuBois.
In the mid-20th century "Black Power" was the title of Richard Wright's study of free Africa; was inscribed on walls of Northern ghettoes scorched by riots; was the slogan of Meredith's led1966 nonviolent march through Mississippi (which caught the attention of the world); and was the chant of Stokely Carmichael's advocacy of racial pride and economic deprivation at a Jackson, Mississippi rally. His definition: "the ability of Black people to politically get together and organize themselves so that they can speak from a position of strength rather than a position of weakness," caused most Black American groups to find it acceptable and even admirable. Thereafter, "Black Power" was variously applied. One group of Blacks de-emphasized integration and favored predominant, if not exclusive, Black leadership related to matters of race and color. A second group insisted it was merely a rallying cry to influence them to use their voting and purchasing power to bring them better economic opportunities. A third group proposed racial segregation and self-segregation-either temporarily (until Blacks were recognized equally with White men) or permanently. A fourth connotation was that "Black Power" referred to physical force-- and the newer Black militant groups did, in fact, believe in "defensive" violence. Nevertheless, the slogan "Black Power" was a cause of concern to many Black and White people. Some said it gave the impression of one race against another-a sort of Ku Klux Klan in reverse. Whites followed their historical pattern of being fearful of any non-demeaning actions of Blacks and White racist groups used this as an opportunity to manipulate White fears into physical retaliation. History clearly shows that it is foolish to physically fight Europeans because they are experts at war and killing-and find "sick" pleasure in both. As a result, many Blacks were killed or jailed. Today's "Black Power" focus is more in line with that of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Floyd McKissick of CORE. McKissick said that basically it means that Black people must decide for themselves what they want and then use all the power they can muster to get it. More specifically, political power and economic power must be strengthened by developing a Black consumer block. To strength their power potential requires improving Black peoples' pride in race and educational competence. For "Black Power" to be realized today requires a Black leader who can bring people together; put things in order; and crack the almost impenetrable wall of delusion which surrounds most Black people-a wall fashioned by the brainwashing tactics of White males. Once the delusional world of Black Americans is shattered, education can then lead the people into Truth, Goodness, and a productive work life that provides adequate creature comforts, a sense of dignity, and happiness. Dr. King said people mired in oppression realize deliverance only upon accumulating the power to enforce change. The nettlesome task of Black people today is to discover how to organize their strength into compelling power so that government can not elude the demands of Blacks. Ref: Bailey Sr.: From Africa To Black Power. Joseph A. Bailey, II, M.D. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|