We began this "Get Up Stand Up" unit by reading two iconic Black men: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. We discussed them as political activists as well as humans. Some of you have watched Selma. All of you have watched Freedom Riders and Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution. You have been introduced to tenets of critical race theory as well as Toni Morrison's "the autobiography as the origins of literature for black folks." This week marks the 5th anniversary of Trayvon Martin's death. So, I believe this unit's theme continues resonating today. As such, I ask: in what ways were you impressed by how any one of these individuals got up and stood up, and how do you plan to continue getting up and standing up? (Please remember to follow the blog rubric found on your syllabus.)
Due: Wed., 3/1/17 by the beginning of class.
Because the “Ballot or the Bullet” was my favorite speech to read as we are discussing black activists in our history, I would like to talk about Malcolm X and how he got up and stood up for the black community. I was impressed by Malcolm X in several ways: through his tone of voice and word choices in his speeches, the history of his life, his beliefs, and aggressive, but firm stance on what is right and wrong with the government and the black community. Because the focus of this blog is specifically about how political activists, like Malcom X, got up and stood up, I would first like to focus on where he began. While in prison, Malcolm X made a huge transformation on his growth of becoming a “better man.” He also became a Muslim while in prison. During this transformation, Malcom X decided to educate himself simply by picking up a book and reading it (similar to James Baldwin). A huge role model for Malcom X was Elijah Muhammad. He shaped Malcom X into the leader that he was in black society. Through getting up and standing out, Malcolm began to encourage black people to start owning business, specifically in black communities; this is what made him a strong advocate for Black Nationalism. He informed his fellow black people about the early critical race theory, which is what he called a “con-game.” He also emphasizes that freedom is not when whites allow blacks to do something they were once not able to do; that’s when blacks had to be precautious. I really admired how Malcolm X not only informed the black community about white supremacy, but he also told them about themselves! He did not leave out what they needed to do as a group to better the conditions they were in. He called black people “chumps” because they knew nothing about the government. Malcolm X urges them to do four very important things: be educated, know your history, know the truth, and fight back! So, when it comes to getting up and standing up, Malcolm X started from the bottom and made his way to the top from being in jail, to educating himself, leading his people, to then becoming one of the most iconic figures in black history.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the only and best way to get up and stand up is follow what Malcolm X encouraged us to do in the past. Actually, through this course, I am definitely being educated on today’s government and how they operated in the past. For example, Mamie Till went through the death and injustice of her son’s murder, just like Sybrina Fulton (mother of Trayvon Martin) faced the challenges of inequity of her son’s homicide. I am being informed about what our ancestors lived, fought, and prospered through (i.e. Freedom Riders and the brutality they underwent on their journey and even tracing back to the early 1900s when black people were being vilified in the film industry). When corruption in the black community is being served, I plan to march, protest, and unite with my fellow activists, just like my ancestors did. In the films we are watching in class, it shows that the coalition of our people is one of our best tactics in fighting back to get justice. If it worked then, it’ll work now! With morality comes patience and with patience comes persistence, so as we continue to fight, we have to continue to hope; that’s what I plan to continue to getting up and standing up. As I continue to become educated, I plan to inform and spread what I know to others. The more who know, the more who can change!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SkEDfcZFfE
I chose this particular audio of Malcolm X from the "Ballot of the Bullet" because as I stated before, he calls the black community "chumps" because they knew nothing about the government. He goes into detail about what the government is made up of. The government was not keeping their promise to black people because they were completely blind to what was really going on. Malcolm X told them to develop political maturity and open their eyes!
I liked how in Malcolm X's speech it was essentially a call to action for the black community. He focused on black nationalism and how the black community could go about taking their money and putting it back into their own communities. He encouraged black nationalism because he knew just like white people knew that black people hold a lot of economic power, and that their demands for equality are no going to be heard unless they could do something to hurt the white community. His plan for black people to create their own living communities and businesses would lead to more black people getting employment. Then in turn these black businesses would become larger corporations, creating more jobs for blacks and increasing the wealth of the community. Because the owner of that business would take the money he was getting from their business and invest it back into his own community. Also under his plan of black nationalism there would be a reeducation of black people that way when election season came around they were not being tricked or lied to because they were not educated enough to know who or what to look for while voting. He also literally calls for the people to stop doing sit ins because he feels as if they were ineffective. " "An old woman can sit. An old man can sit. A chump can sit. A coward can sit. Anything can sit. Well you and I been sitting long enough, and it’s time today for us to start doing some standing, and some fighting to back that up," (http://library.gayhomeland.org/0008/EN/malcolmx_speech_1964.htm). I think that sit ins were effective but they do not accurately ensnare all the emotion that black people are feeling. So personally I think when he said that the community as a whole has been sitting long enough and it is time to get up and fight back, I think this is just as important as sit ins. This is the case because I do not think the Civil Right's agenda would have advanced as far as it did. Malcolm's ideals lead to the formation of later equal rights organizations. Also a lot of today's philosophy has adapted from Malcolm and his ideology. For instance the idea of black nationalism is around today. A lot of black people re starting to seek black owned businesses, black doctors, black dentists, black lawyers, etc., etc. Today's black people are starting to slowly realize how much economic power they hold and that if they use that money to help uplift their own community they can really make a difference in regards to the poverty that plagues relatively 26% of our community, (https://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/acsbr11-17.pdf)
ReplyDeleteIshmael Muhammad
ReplyDeleteI find myself in awe of the fact that Trayvon Martin was murdered five years ago. I cannot believe that it has been that long, for I was a child when he passed and now I’m an adult. His death marked a generational epiphany; we still have work to do. I knew that his murder was unjust, but it wasn’t until his murderer wasn’t brought to justice that I realized it was systematic. The recurring cases of police brutality further enforced this realization of systemic oppression. The outcome of the Trayvon Martin case birthed the Black Lives Matter movement, created by three Black women. It spawned more activists, scholars, and people, now dedicated to the movement of dismantling White Supremacy.
Individuals like Assata Shakur, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Angela Davis, and Mamie Till, helped fight these same injustices, but during an earlier, and far crueler time. To say I was impressed by their actions would be an understatement. I feel a range of emotions whenever the names of civil rights activists are mentioned. I feel inspiration to continue their fights and causes, because there is so much work to be done. I feel sad for their families, loved ones, and everyone they touched emotionally, because many of them were slandered, brutalized, and even assassinated. I feel intimidation, because how can one fill the shoes of such talented, intelligent, and persevering souls? Because of these brave people, I was born into more opportunities and privileges than my ancestors might have even imagined possible for a little Black child.
Mamie Till had the courage to invite the world to share her grief. She allowed everyone to see what white supremacy had done to her son. All while receiving threats, harassments, and while she was heartbroken and wracked with grief. She made a bold statement to the world, defying the forces trying shut her up. Assata Shakur outwardly rejected the entire system altogether. She fought the system and won, and she continues to fight today because the government hasn’t given up fighting her. I too, must make bold statements and continue the fight to dismantle a society built on White Supremacy. I will begin by putting my best effort to circulate my money through Black owned businesses and communities. We must become stronger, and we can start by building up and strengthening our own people economically.
I’ve linked a clip featuring Angela Davis talking about her experiences growing up in Alabama and others speaking of her impact on the Black community: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2BIZy0HScM
Ishmael I agree that Ms. Till is a great leader within America as a whole. In my opinion her and Sabrina Fulton(Trayvon Martin's mother) displayed courageous behavior in standing up and speaking out about their beliefs and the conflicts that African American's continue to endure today. They both could have stopped working when the not guilty verdicts were stated. However, they constantly strive to better the lives of other Black Americans. I feel that the work of the Freedom Riders, Malcolm X, The Black Panther Party, Martin Luther King, and so many other Black heroes have paved the way and Stand Up. Without our words and persistence, we will never have the freedom and rights that are deserved and that are an obligation according to the laws of the land.
Deletehttp://hedrickeshannon.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteBlog regarding this post has been posted on the website above.
Shannon Hedrick
The critical race theory (CRT) movement is a group of activists and scholars passionate about studying and changing the relationship among race, racism, and power. The movement engages in many of the issues and conflicts that conventional civil rights or ethnic studies take on. However the CRT and the individuals involved puts these same issues in a perspective that utilizes economics, history, self-interest, education, context, and so much more. The movement began in the works of the law, but speedily spread to a variety of disciplines other than law. This is displayed by many such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and the Black Panther Party. I was very fascinated by another group named “The Freedom Riders.” The Freedom rides were a series of nonviolent direct demonstrations that became a major portion and prosperous act in the Civil Rights Movement in 1961. The volunteers included individuals of all races, whom many were college students, mostly seniors to be precise. They rode interstate buses into southern segregated states to challenge the political leaders and their restriction of integration. These courageous men and women were arrested, abused verbally and physically, and threatened for weeks. The protesters were demanded to look death in the eye the entire time of their trips such as the incident in Birmingham, Alabama where the police sheriff “Bull” Connor worked with the Ku Klux Klan to terrorize them upon their arrival. The heroism each one of the Freedom Riders exhibited and employed daily established a strong foundation for the rights that we have today. They motivated others the stand up and speak out against racism. They were the backbone of many Black leaders while also inspiring subsequent civil rights campaigns, equal schooling rights, and equality in voter registration. The Freedom Riders motivated me to ensure that I continue to never become comfortable with the racial ideology that we are still oppressed with today. I plan to utilize my specialty and future degree in education/special education to guarantee that I keep my future students AWAKE. I will feed them the truth while also extensively explaining the truth of civilization, heritage, and history. Ensuring that they acknowledge and understand the truth, will aid in the development of self efficacy and define their future.
Deletehttp://www.blackpast.org/aah/freedom-rides-1961
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-freedom-riders-then-and-now-45351758/
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DeleteFive years ago, a young African American male was shot by a neighborhood watchmen for no reason at all. Trayvon Martin to be exact, was an innocent individual who is constantly displayed today as racialized stereotypes and racialized fears. However, we have discovered or better yet reopened the door of proving the racial inequalities of America that started years ago with the colonization of Africa and continues to operate daily in the 21st century. George Zimmerman, who was the shooter was found not guilty by in my opinion an ignorant jury. This not guilty judgement displays that Trayvon Martin's life is viewed inferior due to the color of his skin. Is Trayvon Martin guilty for walking home in the dark? Is George Zimmerman guilty of shooting a young African American male who was walking too close to his house? Is American guilty for not diminishing this problem years ago and taking responsibility for their uncivilized actions regarding "race"? This case must be acknowledged and understood in a critical manner everyday. I salute Trayvon Martin for his innocence. I know it was not in his intentions or even in his thoughts that his death would come so quickly or even produce him to be hero before even generating a diploma. May his soul rest in peace along with so many other individuals of various races that have died because of the cause of equality and freedom.
Deletehttp://wlrn.org/post/black-lives-matter-finds-renewed-focus-5-years-after-trayvon-martin
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2017/02/26/celebrities-honor-trayvon-martin-five-years-after-his-death/98452544/
Wow, I can't believe it's been 5 years since Trayvon Martin's death. I remember when it happened, it was the topic for 6 months straight. So many rally's, protest, honors, and marches to help bring the black community together and to stand up with one another instead and going against each other.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading both articles but I really enjoyed reading "The Ballot or Bullet" about Malcom X. Malcom X was all about black power and bringing the black community together to fight and use their voices to be heard and instill what was right and what was wrong. Even though Malcom X converted to Muslim, he never tried to persuade anyone to do the same. His speeches were about bringing our people together and to put aside our differences so that greater things could happen for us. He wanted us to stop being "ignorant" or "hardheaded" and stand together. He wanted up to come together, work together to push for the things that we deserved. He wanted us to stay "woke". To know more about what was happening and why it was so important for us to work together. We deserved better and he was determined to help us get better. He said in his speech that "I do not see an American Dream, I see an American Nightmare". He was right, back then and today things have changed but history is defiently repeating itself, just with a different twist. Intergration. The same things are happening, people are still racist, politicians still lying, black people killing each other, not working together and white people still thinking they have the upper hand on everything. We are not living the American Dream if history is repeating ourselves. We must take a stand and stop the violence and work together. Stop all the hatred and love more. Stop assuming and accusing because of skin color or an action(s). Malcom X wanted us to come together as a people and use our intelligence and make out own lives and this world better but still getting the respect that we are afforded.
Me, how I will stand up is to keep encouraging my black brothers and sisters, showing the black excellence, supporting each other, and coming together as a community to be greater and show that our lives matter just as much as theirs. I will stand up to do things peacefully but with intelligence and respect. We must become stronger and work together no only with each other but with other races to start living our American Dream and get out of this American Nightmare.
Below are difference links to images of black excellence. To me Black Excellence is a way for our people to show our power, intelligence, grace, passion, love, friendship, and strength through things they've done and to show that Black People are MAGIC and we matter. Our history is just as important and in fact more important because of the rich and deep history and heritage behind it. I am Black Excellence.
https://cdn.evbuc.com/eventlogos/1654454/rszredo2.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/db/11/48/db114809a3a5e80b54c23860daf796eb.jpg
http://static.tumblr.com/c9e8f1224fe08feebdda9c76e4df63b9/lwqs6qb/tFln4im0w/tumblr_static_9jaupq2oaloosg4wcc0o4k4s0.png
http://static.wixstatic.com/media/8c12c7_3bc671c240294d26b2364aa1a9df6682.jpeg_srz_962_748_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpeg_srz
I have been impressed by the ways in which so many have got up and stood up. I can't decide on just one. There have been so many to take a stand and put the lives of many others before their own. Malcolm X as a black Nationalist, Dr. King with his stance on nonviolence, Ida B. Wells with the Red Record and the solution to how Black Americans can stop lynchings, even down to many activists today. We are living the Black Lives Matter movement as a way to stand up. People have given so much over the years for the black race as a whole. Lives has been lost, jail time for so many and even families torn apart, all to stand up against injustice. These experiences seem to all come together to matter and not just one is more important that the other. The matter or movement may change but the courage to stand up is always what matters most. For me having the courage to stand up for what is right is how I can stand up and stay up. I must always do what is right. I must always stand up against injustice, speak up for my brother who is cant speak for himself. I can continue to be a man of courage and live as an example of truth and compassion. Standing up is and staying up is different for everyone. Some people may take a stand, others may attend a rally, some may choose to use words and write a letter to their representatives or contribute to a social media campaign. Standing up is important. However; how we do it is just a important. We have learned a lot about many activists in Unit I and Unit II. We have learned that one person can make a difference for many. We have learned that one or two minor perceptions can make a large difference to the masses. I will choose to stand for my race as an advocate in protests, letters, on social media, and through my voice. Malcolm X said, " If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything." Taking a stand means not falling for anything. There are so many examples to follow on how to stand up for what is right verses sitting down for what is wrong. Activism from the masses leads to change and change makes the world better for all. so far all of the examples have been great examples of how standing up and staying up creates better for all the world. Examples of how others were good examples to follow.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.socialistalternative.org/panther-black.../the-black-panther-party-for-self-d
time.com/4433679/black-lives-matter-platform-demands/
www.blackpast.org › African American History
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ReplyDeleteWhile reading "Ballot or the Bullet" I was impressed with how Malcolm X called upon the black community to stand up and take their rights, rather than wait for someone to give it to them. Malcolm X stood for black power and black economics. One thing I like about Malcolm X in general was that he didn't pay attention to what people thought about him and that he would speak his mind regardless of the audience he would give his speeches to. In his "ballot or the Bullet" speech, he constantly referred to the black community as "chumps", due to the fact that the black community wasn't aware of their importance in American society and how they could really make a difference if they with held the "black dollar". A lot of what Malcolm X was fighting for is still lingering in today's society. When taking a look at most African American communities you will notice that we usually don't own any businesses within them. They're usually owned by the Chinese, Koreans, etc. We as African Americans need to take heed of those who have came before us and use their building blocks of self identity in order to help our communities thrive.
ReplyDeleteSome ways we can continue to get up and stand up is to continue to teach and talk about our black figures, as well as showing the ways they have helped us overcome the struggles in American History. I went to a predominantly black high school so we generally spoke about our black leaders such as, Martin Luther king Jr., Malcolm X , W.E.B DU Bois, Booker T. Washington, etc. But while speaking to some of my other classmates who attended a predominantly white high school missed out on some of these teachings of our black leaders. Other ways we can stand up is making sure we support our black owned businesses as well as trying to create some of our own in the process.
During this unit I have grown a HUGE appreciation for Malcolm X. Growing up I did not learn about him and the little that I did learn about was mostly negative. He had a different approach to the social unjust that was going on at the time and now that i think about it was the most reasonable approach.Malcolm X was a Black Nationalist. Malcolm urged African-Americans to fight racism “by any means necessary.” He strongly influenced blacks to support each other whether it is standing up for our rights or supporting our businesses. He did not want to reason with our government because in all they are the ones who "failed us". They are the enemy.Malcolm X said what he wanted the way he wanted sparing no ones feelings. He had ideas and views like no other. His diction was very powerful. I agree the other leaders were also powerful speakers however, i was impressed by Malcolm X. This unit has urged me to begin to voice my opinion on issues regarding race and social unjust.
ReplyDeleteAs I scrolled through my news feed on Sunday February 26th and was reminded that it was the 5th anniversary of the murder of Trayvon Martin, I really had to sit back reflect. His killing was a significant part of the Black Lives Matter movement and just to see his face and be remember the way he died at such a young age and the fact that he was not served justice made me teary eyed. I do think however that it is not okay for people to only want to act when these instances of injustice occur. There should a be constant, never ending longing to want to right the wrongs done unto not just black people but people in general.
ReplyDeleteAs I read the speech from Malcom X and read the letter from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I can clearly see the parallels that are exist between the past and the present. I think that Malcom X provided us with statements that we can most certainly relate to this election of Donald Trump as president and I think that Dr. Martin Luther King made statements that relate to the police brutality of today as well as the lack of participation from the church. As Selma portrayed the fight that black people went through to have a basic human right granted to them, it lets me know that we can do more and we should be doing more to speak out against the injustices we see. The same way the Freedom Riders saw they were being treated unfairly and did something about it right then and there and kept on going until the issue had been resolved is what we need to be doing today.
I think that one way I can get up and stand up is speaking out about any and every injustice I see. I think I also need to keep up with everything that happens to keep me on my toes and be able to really participate in discussions about how these issues can begin to be resolved. Another thing I know I can do is make others aware about these issues and share with the knowledge I learn so that they can join the movement as well. I can also join organizations who have the desire to make these important changes in the community and to do in a professional and effective way.
Malcolm X will always be my go to person whenever I need to know how to proceed with White America. His rhetoric, purpose, history, and drive have always been intimidating and inspiring. Up until I got to college, my mother did not allow me to read The Autobiography of Malcolm X because she did not want me to turn into some sort of radical individual (which was inevitable, by the way). So, I knew if she was banning me from his work, he was the real deal. And he still is. Much of what he said then can be applied and executed in today's time. Malcolm's authenticity and courage set him apart from any other activist that I know of. He literally pulled himself up by the boot straps and self-educated himself while in prison. And even though he obtained such knowledge, he never let his intelligence get to his head. As he said in ballot or the bullet, "I use small words for small people. I don't usually deal with those big words because I don't usually deal with big people." Malcolm knew who his enemies were, his audience, and potential allies. He called out White America on their wrongdoings, encouraged Black America to fight back, and he made sure it was known that he was down for the cause by any means necessary. I appreciate him for getting up and standing up the way he did. It was bold. It was impactful. And it was needed for the times. Because of him, I plan to be just as, if not more, daring than he was. Just like Malcolm was tired of marching and praying, I'm tired of it too. We're too lenient as a people and leniency is clearly not getting us anywhere. The good thing about most activists like Malcolm is that they leave a plan of action behind. It is up to us to put these guidelines to use. As we've seen with recent cases like Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Freddie Gray, and Sandra Bland, history is just repeating itself and it will continue to do so until we stop singing and start swinging.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjEO05mrLdQ
The required literature and films for Unit two provided more of a visual illustration of the many struggles that the Black community faced and still faces today. Malcolm X's, "The Ballot or the Bullet" ilustrates in layman's terms, the political structure in America during the most explosive year of the Civil Rights movement; 1964. He stresses the importance of the Black vote, and how both White Republicans and Democrats have contributed to disenfranchising 22 million Black American citizens. For example, in his description of why 1964 proves to be the most explosive year, he says that "it's the year when all of the White politicians will be back in the so-called Negro community jiving you and me for some vote." In a 2016 radio interview with the Democratic Presidential nominee, Hiliary Clinton, was asked what is something she carries around with her everywhere she goes?Her response: "Hot Sauce". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q29F1jPvNk. The former First Lady is in fact "jiving you and me for some vote"" because her Republican opponent was a glaring racist and bigot and there was absolutely no way the Black community could in good conscience vote for him.
ReplyDeleteDr. King's "Letter's From A Birmingham Jail" is a direct answer to his critics who claim that he is an outside "nigger agitator" and that it is in fact he that is inciting violence throughout the deep south by participating in illegal desegregation protest of major institutions. He proceeds to explain throughout the letter why he has chosen direct action (i.e.marches, sit-ins,etc.) as a means of negotiation. The CORE Freedom Rides were a direct action tactic that was employed during the Civil Rights Movement. Although Dr. King refused to participate, many of the participants of the Freedom Rides were viciously beaten because they "tested and challenged" interstate facilities and routes in the deep south. In the opening credits of "Freedom Riders", the participants are heard reading statements that relinquished any liability if any of them are seriously hurt or injured. This goes to show the hatred that White southerners possessed towards Black people.
That hatred is also illustrated in Mammy Till's description of her son's body. She describes his gruesome wounds with absolutely no emotion or hesitation. J.W. Miliam and Roy Bryant went over and beyond any reasonable "punishment". Emmett Till was viciously killed and his body desecrated because he attempted to interact with a White woman as if he were her equal.
The way that i intend to getting up and standing up is by continuing to educate myself and always stay aware of the injustices plaguing our society. In an effort to always #staywoke, I intend on becoming involved in local and state legislature as an effort to influence and drive social change right here in North Carolina.
DeleteGet up and stand up is very relevant today. Martin Luther King Jr. stood up and led millions of people to stand up for what they believe in no matter the consequences. Martin accomplished this in such an amazing way because he did with non-violence. The non-violence movement resonated with almost everyone and people started to be activist in there community. This influenced our very own A&T four to set a precedent for our university and Greensboro. Malcolm X also stood up for our community but used a new approach. Violence was his approach to overcome segregation. He had very logical reasonings to feel the way he did towards segregation. These two men stood up for their people no matter the consequences and even death.
ReplyDeleteBlack panthers took after Martin because they traveled to the most racist states and did sit-ins to show that there needs to be a change and it needs to happen now. They suffered great consequences and still had different strategies to end segregation. Trayvon Martin's story was a little different. He didn't directly fight for the injustice of this day in age but his mother did. Trayvon's mother was involved in the Mothers of the Movement and fights daily to stop police brutality, not through violence but simply through getting the word out and encouraging people to get up and stand up.
Personally, I will to continue to learn about my black history and learn about the precedents that were set before me. I will know that my voice can be heard and teach others to not underestimate the black community. I will fight for equality and make sure that black lives are recognized in all areas and aspects. I will give praises and encourage the black community to keep going and to continue to lay down precedents and legacies for the ones coming after us. We shall continue to get up and stand up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiPwCMlghhQ
DeleteI agree. I believe that we have to continue to learn our history and the history of America without forgetting the missing pieces that white America teaches us. Like Assata Shakur said, "No one is going to give you the education you need to overthrow them. Nobody is going to teach you your true history, teach you your true heroes, if they know that knowledge will help set you free."
DeleteI enjoy speaking and learning more about Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. They of course had two different approaches to the the same issues. I like the reasoning and the methods that both chose. Malcolm X was more of a militant force behind the problems. I think that that is what we need to do now to continue to rise against injustice across the country. What really needs to happen from here on out is a downright revolt and resistance to anything that happens. Especially with the current administration, there needs to be protests that are of course non-violent, but big enough and they have to have enough impact to inflict change.
ReplyDeleteI think and believe that Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were both influential people in history. They've paved the way for many black activist today and opened the door for many African-Americans back then and in the future. I enjoyed learning that two activist took two very different approaches and both of them created the right kind of damage for our people. Martin Luther King Jr. led a non-violent movement although many doubted the idea, it worked. With his actions he helped back then. However, Malcolm X, was very firm in his ways and "called it like it was." He wasn't afraid to speak on retaliation against the white race. I think a mixture of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.'s styles of activism would be exactly what we need to see positive change in not only society but in government as well.
ReplyDeleteFrom watching the Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, I was very impressed by the impact that those individuals had on the black communities throughout the United States. Especially the strong Black women who didn’t sit back and let Black men handle things: they stood up and went on the “front lines” alongside the men. Throughout my education from kindergarten until college, I never really knew about the women who played a big part in the Black Panthers. I always thought that it was men who walked around with guns trying to protect the black communities from political forces while the women helped with the free lunch campaign. It was amazing to know that Black women in history have been as strong, if not stronger, than the men. Something that struck my attention, while browsing through the internet of the Black Panther Party in North Carolina, was that an armed march by the party occurred on my birthday this year (January 29th) in Wilmington, NC. To know that the party still exists and continues to protest for the many Black lives lost due to police violence is absolutely amazing. I wish I could have seen the march and shown my support. I plan to continue getting up and standing up by continuing to further my education because the most feared person in America is an educated African-American. I want to be able to reach my goals of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) so that if I get the chance to return to A & T in the future, I can inspire many accounting students that anything is possible and we, as African-Americans, need to make a difference in the accounting profession. There are <1% of African-American CPAs in the United States; however, North Carolina A & T State University is known to be one of the largest producers of African-American CPAs in the nation. As a soon-to-be product of this institution, I feel like it is my duty to get up and stand up for those behind me so that I can help make a difference in the profession and help break barriers of getting out of the less than 1%.
ReplyDeleteBlack Panther Party, Wilmington, NC
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article128848454.html
African-American CPA stats
http://ericpbutts.com/why-are-there-still-so-few-black-cpas/
NCAT Department of Accounting and Finance
http://www.ncat.edu/cobe/departments/acct/index.html
The way that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X took their approaches on the same reasons but in a different approach was enjoyable to learn. This was really my first time reading the full context of both of their letters. Both of these men were so bold in what they had and they meant every word that they said. The confidence of the information that they were putting in their text was awesome, I could imagine them saying it in person. I like how Dr. King talks about how the people wanting make changes in Birmingham, Alabama but they fail to talk about the problems that need to be changed in this city, the people didn't want to take any precautions on how to have effective demonstrations. Malcolm X took more of a more violent approach to the whole situation, he wanted us to realize that we are dealing with a government conspiracy instead of a segregation conspiracy. The government is the reason why blacks cannot get to where they want to be or get done what they need to and that we need to find new allies and not trust in the government. I plan to continue standing up for what is right for the black community. I want to see us prosper and be one of the most successful races in America. We must make America be on our side and they will jut have to realize that we are a part of this community. I will make sure to attend the correct marches and be apart of the movements that will help this race be great and help us to move forward.
ReplyDeleteThis is Kristyn Cammack.
DeleteMartin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and many other activist went against everything they were told by white leaders to ensure that black people would get basic civil rights. Although they had different methods, they put themselves in danger many times to protest the unjust treatment of black people in America. I am impressed with the drive that they both had to accomplish the goal of civil rights. They were both told to wait and be patient because change takes time but it was pertinent that they took action immediately. There are still some black people today who may argue that the Black Lives Matter movement is "too radical" and only adds to the racial divide in America. There are also a lot of "twitter activist" out today that love to say what they would do on social media, but are nowhere to be found when it is time to really take action. Malcolm and Dr. King would definitely frown upon that. To continue getting up and standing up I plan on not letting issues fade into the background. More often than not most stories that largely affect black people (Flint water crisis) are only talked about on major news networks for a few days. That decreases visibility and in turn causes people to forget about the issue all together. I also plan to keep informing my less than aware friends about what is going on around them that can affect them just as much as it can affect any one of us.
ReplyDeleteDarius Davis
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ReplyDeleteThe shock surrounding the fifth anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s death just highlights the recency of racially driven violence against black people. It’s as if we find it shocking because we still feel a present tense with his death and the state sanctioned killings that followed it. With so much racially motivated violence woven into the fabric of American History, I find that it is easy to become hateful. It is easy to be resentful towards those you may consider your oppressors. It takes more intergrity to try to find a common thread that binds us together. Most people would argue that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had this ability. While I agree that that is true, I also feel that his methods were less radical than the youth activists that emerged out of the nonviolent Civil Rights Movement and into the Black Nationalist Movement. Fred Hampton, in my opinion, is the most notable. The platform he stood on was paved by leaders like Stokely Carmichael, Huey Newton, and Bobby Seale. Nonetheless, he is worth noting all on his own. He had a way of uniting so many groups of people under a cause. He wasn’t just acknowledging the problems in the black community he was making it relevant to anyone. He did so while maintaining the sense of radical Black Nationalism. We are impressed with Dr. King for his way of relating the problems within the segregated south to all nationalities of people by relating to that sense of humanity. Adversely, we are impressed with Malcolm X for his ability to demonstrate a necessary contempt for the racist tactics and disparities within our government system. We are impressed with his “no negotiation“attitude and willingness to meet violence with violence. I am impressed with Fred Hampton for his ability to capture the essence of both. He did so in a way that was provocative and engaging to the extent that his assassination was a necessity in the eyes of the government. He was able to speak on the grievances of the black community while calling on the revolutionary action of all American citizens. He was a true demonstrator of getting up, standing up and even speaking up. I plan to follow in his footsteps by choosing to speak up on inequality, obliterate prejudice, and get aggressive with the racist power structure while choosing not to alienate myself from other groups. I want to seek a common denominator while asserting my frustration and my unwillingness to negotiate. I will “find a way to get in the way” as frequently as necessary. I will speak up.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEwv6-SgL0M
This is my post I should have signed in under this account.
DeleteI want to focus on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." This piece of literature impacted me the most due to the powerful yet sincere arguments King makes on social equality and justice. Although the letter was written over 50 years ago, it still is relative today. The first argument that I found the most important is his urgency of change and time. Many people who weren’t the victims of racial tension thought that change could wait for the future, but King argued that those who were oppressed, referring to generations of enslaved blacks, had been “waiting for more than 340 years.” http://www.rawstory.com/2014/10/four-myths-about-slavery-in-the-us/ He then goes on to describe instances that were the cause of this need for change such as lynchings, slavery, and the betterment of his children’s’ lives. This section of the letter gives the reader a sense of awareness and emotion, seeing as he included instances that even his opposition could relate to. King could’ve just focused his argument on his own opinions, but the understanding of his opposition allows his argument to have a bigger impact. King’s message of change has since thrived in society throughout the years. For example, this message was used by Barrack Obama during the 2008 presidential election. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_presidential_campaign,_2008) Another one of King’s arguments that I find effective is his reason for direct action. He argues that negotiation is the first major key for change in the black community. Unfortunately, it kept being denied, which is why he argued that they must take direct action so that they could create a tension that led to negotiation. This direct action involved nonviolent protest, sit-ins, the bus boycotts held in Montgomery, and other events. http://69500505.weebly.com/ This tactic of direct action can be seen in today’s society by protesters involved in the BLM movement, the LGBT community, and several other organizations. Although I didn’t cover all of King’s arguments, his call for change and action inspires me to make an impact on the issues that our society faces. I plan to continue to stand up against these issues by using the same strategies as Dr. Martin Luther King, that is with direct action in a timely manner. We talk about change but aren’t willing to face the problem directly at that moment. This is what allows oppression within our nation to stir and repeat. As youth in this society, it’s our responsibility to act whenever we see wrong being done in our community, such as the young black panther members did in theirs. http://www.stephenshames.com/projects/black-panther-party If we showed as much effort as they did, there’s no limit to what we could accomplish.
ReplyDeleteThe links in the blog have picture representations.
DeleteI was impressed by some well-known people like Malcom x, Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar Evers, Mamie Till as well as the unknown and unnamed people at that time. Seeing the movie Selma and the documentaries on the Freedom Riders and the Black Panther movement was so inspiring to me. During that time whenever you spoke out against the unjust laws was like asking for a death sentence. It was extremely dangerous to speak out and protest and that’s why I have so much respect for Malcom X, Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar Evers, and countless others who literally gave their lives for the advancement of black people in America. Mamie Till was so courageous for standing up for her son Emmett Till not only during the funeral but during the process of trial, getting her sons body to Chicago, and having a open casket at his funeral to show the world what had happened to her son. The Freedom Riders were very courageous as well. I learned a lot of new things watching that documentary. What was very courageous to me was that they knew the risk of going on these freedom rides especially in the deep south, but yet they still soldered on regardless of the things that were going on around them or not even being sure if they were going to survive the journey or not. The fact that many of them signed their last will and testament showed that they were ready to die for their cause. That stands out to me because being willing to die for something you believe in shows the dedication that many people had at that time and I have the deepest and utmost respect for all of them, even the unknown ones. Learning more about the Black Panther movement was interesting too and that not only fought for rights but it had to be courageous at that time to go against the ideals of Martin Luther King’s Jr idealism of pacifism. They taught loving yourself and your natural hair, and helped in their community. I can’t believe it’s been five years since Trayvon’s Martins death. I recall it like it was just yesterday. Watching the trial and being in New York when the verdict was announced and watch hundreds, maybe even thousands of people protesting and shutting down Times Square. That lit a fire in me and even though I was still young at the time being able to witness people coming together for a young black boy not getting the justice he deserved had an unbelievable impact on me as a young black girl. I plan on standing up for myself and my community. If there is something that I don’t agree on I will speak out against it. I will not tolerate racism or bigotry against my own community or any community of color. Always standing up for my black brothers and sisters even though I may not know them. Getting involved in my own community and bettering my community, as well as investing in black-owned businesses. Not being afraid to protest and try to change unjust laws, and lastly just to uplift and encouraging my peers as well as younger children, and even older, to educate them on issues that we still face today, and letting them know to get involved in their own communities to lift it up, and if you see something you don’t like, run for office or try to change the things you don’t like.
ReplyDeleteBy: Kynadi Douthit
The ways in which all of these individuals acted are unique and they must all be credited. We must thank them for paving the way because if they had not stood up, who knows where we would be today. In a time where everything was against them they pushed on. In a time of Jim Crow, I don’t know if I would have had the courage to stand up like they did. I don’t know if I’d have the courage to sign my last rights over knowing the hardships I’d face and that this could be a matter of life or death. I don’t know if I would have been like the kids from Fisk University who literally dropped out of school in their last semester, first generation college students with so many sacrifices made for me so that I could attend college. The Panthers left their families. I definitely wouldn’t have had the strength that Mamie Till did, using the “body”, if we can call it that, of her lynched son to send a message to America about what is being done to our people. All of the sacrifices made impress me. There is a common theme from all of the material: banding together to fight for a common cause despite difference. We see this with Martin Luther King, a man of Christian faith and with Malcolm X, a man of Muslim faith. At the beginning of Ballot Malcolm X he says, “Whether we are Christians or Muslims or nationalists or agnostics or atheists, we must first learn to forget our differences. If we have differences, let us differ in the closet; when we come out in front, let us not have anything to argue about until we get finished arguing with the man”. In other words differences are not important, what is important is what we’re fighting for because at the end of the day we’re all going through the same struggle. We also see this in Freedom Riders. Freedom Riders were not just blacks, but whites too. Whites often times received the worst treatment because they were seen as traitors, but this did not stop them. They saw as humans and knew this was not right so they were willing to suffer with us. I admire everyone’s abilities to realize that civil rights are human rights and that the issue must be looked at from a human standpoint, as Malcolm also references. Although not treated as such we are humans and therefore there are rights that we were born with and when they are violated we have the right to do something.
ReplyDeleteWe must thank those that came before us because they did what others were to afraid to and now it is our duty to no longer be afraid and to carry on what they have worked so hard to accomplish. It’s frustrating seeing our black brothers and sisters being killed time again and for anyone who says this is not about race, this definitely is about race. This is what you call systematic racism. Just like those before us it is time to continue to go after what is ours. We must continue getting up and standing up. I will personally do this by continuing to inform people of what is going on. Like Ida B. Wells said, “You can help disseminate the facts contained in this book by bringing them to the knowledge of every one with whom you come in contact, to the end that public sentiment may be revolutionized. Let the facts speak for themselves, with you as a medium.” I will do exactly this. In only half a semester I have learned so much that I didn’t know and I will share this knowledge with others. I won’t be afraid to bring it up in conversation. An untold history tends to repeat itself.
These two songs by Nina Simone are both relevant. She was an artist who spoke out against racism and injustice. The first song listed she wrote in response to the murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers and to the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which resulted in the killing of 4 black girls. In the second song, she glorifies being young gifted and black. I picked this song, because it truly is amazing being young gifted and black. We are the leaders of today and we must act.
Mississippi Goddamn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ25-U3jNWM
To Be Young Gifted and Black:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1r12WHaYN0
Martin Luther King Jr. and the freedom riders paved the way for African Americans to live in a society where their rights would be heard. The freedom riders really spoke out to me because these group of individuals were around my age. And the fact that these young adults left school because they felt that their degree would be worthless is such an encouraging message. This was a nonviolent civil rights group that protested to segregate the bus terminal. Recruited by CORE, the Freedom RIders faced several violent occasions where their lives were threatened. MLK not only has influenced many people throughout his presence and history. He influenced the freedom Riders themselves. Known for being one of the most influential leaders of all time (MLK). Martin Luther King jr. was an activist, father, pastor and husband. Who wouldn't look up to Dr. King? He paved the way for me to be able to attend school and live in a world where I don't have to worry about my safety on a daily bases. He also fought for the right for African Americans to be able to vote. I plan on contributing back to society by volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club. I believe that in order to change our current issue we need to focus on touching the lives of the younger generation.
ReplyDeleteBy: Sunni Myler
I have been extremely fascinated with Martin Luther King Jr.’s determination to get up and stand up throughout history. He is a great inspiration and persevered through so much hate to bring about equal rights for all mankind. He believed in being the bigger person and taking the high road. I admire his patience when dealing with these “negotiations” and people who were against his cause. The Letter from a Birmingham Jail made a great impression on me. It shows the importance of the cause and the lengths that Dr. King is willing to go to prove it. The fact that it has to be proven that Black lives matter even today is heartbreaking to me. It surprised me that he wrote this on the margins of a newspaper. The margins! This really recollected with me because I think about how small the margins were compared to the length of the letter. Let’s not forget that he was also in jail at this time. I can not imagine what he was going through by just being in jail to begin with. His structure of words in sermon format were outstanding and something I did not notice at first. For writing this on the margins of a newspaper, it is exceptionally wonderful how he was able to go from the beginning source of the problem and worked his way down the list. This means that it is something that he thought out and unpacked well to be in simpler terms. I feel all of these instances pointed out his tolerance, perseverance. This is so heartwarming because putting him in jail was suppose to break his spirit, instead, it inspired him to encourage. His philosophy reminds me of the mantra Michelle Obama: “When They Go Low, We Go High!”. It means that no matter how filthy a person treats you, it is better in the long run to be the bigger person verses stooping to his or her level. I feel that this is an idea that is very relevant today in getting up and standing up. A way to---- Lastly, I also love how Dr. King was able to apologize in the end for not meaning to offend anyone. I think this is also vital because the goal is equality and unity. I believe that the humility that Dr. King takes is important because it gives a different tone and clear message to his letter. Instead of solely pointing fingers and accusing others of wrong, it feels that he is coming from a point of view that merely wants to point out the inequalities to further work together toward equality of all. I believe that is another thing that I could do is discuss these issues in a way that will show respect and no intent of major offense, but also get my point across. I believe there has to be less backlashing and blaming in order to unify as one.
ReplyDeletehttp://futureprodigy24.deviantart.com/art/When-They-Go-Low-We-Go-High-639939900
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu_hCThhzWU
Martin Luther King's rise to fame and his quick fall because of fame fascinated me the most when it came to "Get Up Stand Up". Throughout his entire life he had to face vioence from the white race. The difference between him and others, he was all about "no violence" and peaceful protest. I am most impressed by him because it takes a lot of internal power not to respond to violence with violence and it takes even a stronger man to make others believe that is the best route to go. MLK helped get the Civil Rights Movement worldwide with his constant dedication. HE withstood with his approach even when his family was endangered. HE stood in front of possibly his future killers delivering speeches that would inspire and motivate the black race to earn their civil rights. It took a lot to stick to the original plan of nonviolence. He dealt with serious backlash and kept moving forward until his eventual death. His death did not stop the movement. He inspired so many people to keep pushing so in his absent it was almost like his spirit was still with them. That says a lot about how much of a great leader Martin Luther King Jr was.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LaAz6XXy6M
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ReplyDeleteLooking back at the past in black history and the injustice committed against us, I am definitely appalled. Realizing that law enforcement believe that they have the power to do whatever they want has been apparent for decades. This is manifested by several events in the past. The malicious way law enforcement has treated blacks has been evident by the deaths or abuse of blacks such Rodney King, Trayvon Martin, and Fred Hampton. It is crucial for all people of all colors to stand up together (evident by the diversity of the Freedom Riders).
ReplyDeleteThe death of Fred Hampton was the most pivotal in my opinion. This is because his death of Fred Hampton was a deliberate murder by the government and law enforcement. President Hoover felt the need to enforce law enforcement and the FBI to spy on Fred Hampton because Hoover told he would become the “black messiah” and be to change the mindsets of whites to consider the concept of complete equality for blacks. Hampton was very persuasive during his tenure as a leader of the Black Panther Party and he appealed to people from all demographics because of the relatable manner in which is gave his speeches. Hoover believed that if Fred Hampton reached enough people with his message, then that would grow the respectability of blacks, which is not what Hoover wanted (wanted blacks to remain naïve to the mistreatment they received from whites). This situation is similar to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because Dr. MLK Jr. was a threat to white domination as he was aware and knowledgeable about civil rights issues. Fred Hampton was a young and ambitious Black Panther leader and the government felt threatened by that. The government assassinated Hampton because they feared black advancement and once whites feel threatened in anyway, then they will do whatever in their power including murder to prohibit black progression or complete equality. Although Fred Hampton is not alive, I believe that he left a positive influence on the black community because he encouraged black perseverance even through oppression. I continue to get up and stand up by being educated on black history and encouraging my fellow African-Americans to not be fazed by oppression and seek success despite the obstacles.
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Honestly, its crazy to think its been five years since the death of Trayvon Martin, time goes by fast. But people want to believe that this tragedy caused a spike or rise in white on black murders and police brutality in the 2000s. However, I think that Trayvon's death just started a period where things like this just couldn't go unnoticed again. I've known police had it out for us since I was three years old when my uncle was killed by police officers. He might have been in the wrong, but he was surrendering and cooperating m with officers when he was shot down. While watching these films I've noticed a few similarities with whats going on today. It might not be as server as what the people in Selma, the freedom riders, and many others have went through, however you would think after all that we wouldn't have to worry about being hunted and held back anymore. Obliviously its too much to be treated equally or ask that our lives are actually seen as valuable things. I remember when George Zimmerman was on trail, everyday my parents told me "watch, he's going walk" I thought in our generation he would at least see some time of jail time, too bad i was wrong. This reminds me of the men on trail for Emmett Till's murder. Also all these protest that turned into riots over the unjust murders of black people, in the recent years, remind me of how they treated the freedom riders and peaceful protesters in Selma. Once again, I said not as server. It's just crazy to me how thing can repeat. I'm impressed by every last individuals that sacrificed everything for civil rights. From Martian Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Coretta Scott King, the Freedom Riders, and especially the non-violent protesters. I say that because there is no way me, let alone over half of my generation, would've been non-violent once we start getting hit. That is one of the reasons I believe we have protest turn into riots today. In my mind, there is no way possible to end racism. Humans fear whats different, we all know this, and how do a lot of people deal with fear? With anger, aggression, and hatred. It doesn't make it right but there are things in this world that cant be changed, it is what it is. But we can continue to rise above it by striving to be successful. When you're well off and successful it seems to show them, "yeah our lives actually mean something." Also no matter what we have to make sure America never forgets her history. That's the only way to make sure the bloody things in history that got us this far never have to happen again. White people might try to hide or sugarcoat things, we can't keep allowing this, keeping the severity of the events in the past disrespect the lives lost and the people who made it through sacrifices.
ReplyDeleteI think you are absolutely right! It is nothing new that police brutality is real and has been going on for decades now. I think that for this generation, however, the Trayvon Martin shooting was something that was able to wake them up and make them understand that this is still happening and our fight for equality is not over.
DeleteIn regards to my favorite activist, Malcolm X, he believed in the more aggressive approach to gaining civil rights. In his speech, The Ballot or the Bullet, he stressed the importance of self-motivation and igniting change by any means necessary. He did not believe in singing “negro spirituals” or waiting for treatment to get better. Malcolm also focused on explaining the benefits of blacks controlling their own economy and advancement, such as owning their own businesses and supporting other black owned businesses. Malcolm X believed we should collectively take control of our future as a people, which would minimize the amount of power and oppression being exerted on us by whites. However, to do this, he constantly stated that we must refrain from being “chumps”—a word he used to describe those who were gullible, ignorant, fearful and conditioned.
ReplyDeleteI admired Malcolm X’s ability to be the human form of a call to action. His movements, gestures, words either implied or explicitly stated that blacks are the change they want to see.
Because of Malcolm X, it is my goal to do what he did while in prison—educate myself so I can educate others. Oppression is a partially a result of a lack of knowledge. I once heard a man say, “you cannot be oppressed by the law if you know the law.” We must be aware of bills, legislations, groups that work to advance blacks, groups that work against blacks, and community issues that need to be addressed. My biggest goal is to do what Malcolm X stressed—controlling black economics. I am dedicated to supporting black owned businesses and encouraging my brethren to start their own businesses and give back.
Every time I reflect on the Civil Rights Movement, I am amazed at the amount of hate that whites truly carried in their hearts and that some still carry to this day. But, the most noble act was the sacrifices of every civil rights activist. Those who were promised to the movement said goodbye to their families numerous times, forfeited their opportunity to receive an education, lost their jobs and risked their lives. In the movie, Selma, we saw how he and other crusaders for change would train other non-violent activists how to react during episodes of violence that would come to them while protesting. The strength and patience it took to endure being spit on, kicked, punched, and beaten will always be worthy of praise.
It is unbelievable that this is the fifth anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s brutal death. The lack of justice given to him and his family reminded the black community of injustices forced upon us during the Civil Rights Movement. However, we must use Trayvon Martin’s death as a reminder to acknowledge that change will not happen tomorrow but we must start fighting for the cause today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7dOqM9R3jI
I inserted this video from Youtube because a Freedom Rider, Hank Thomas, recalled his stop in Alabama. For him to be able to live and tell the story of hate that he endured while fighting for the rights of his peopleis chilling. The part that stuck out to me the most was the fact that he was a college student. My peers and I should never believe that we are too young to join the fight for justice!
https://twitter.com/ncatsga/status/835237680946499584
Individuals like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King used their literature and their speech to incite change. Organizations, such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) used their non-violent ideologies to go against the norm, which was to fight back. The Black Panther Party used their refusal to be moved, swayed, and oppressed to ignite a flame in the hearts and minds of society. A very influential individual that we discussed in this unit was a Black Panther Party member named Assata Shakur. We discussed her excerpt from Assata Skaur, An Autobiography. Shakur talks about her experience after being taken to the hospital when she was accused of aiding in a cop killing. Her struggle to receive basic rights was a clear representation of how poorly black individuals were treated and the resilience they had to have to survive during a prime time of racism. She was tortured, beaten, and deprived of basic rights because of her race and what she was thought to have done. The attached video includes a recording of Shakur speaking on her experience in exploitation.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK-DAWpYwLI
D’Nae Wetstone
ReplyDeleteI think I was (and still am) impressed with Malcolm X the most. In my opinion, anyone who is willing to die for something he or she truly believes in is stronger than me in every single way. I would love to be able to say that if I were alive during the civil rights period, I would be willing to die for the rights of my people as well. I love being Black without a doubt. Being Black is an experience that I am truly honored to be apart of (despite all of the negativity that comes with being Black); however, I honestly do not think that I am as courageous as activists such as Malcom X at all. It saddens me at times because I want to be able to be that person who is down for whatever when it comes to my people. I want to be brave enough to risk my life for my people because we deserve so much more.
From what I’ve seen through documentaries and videos, Malcolm X was never afraid to go to jail for speaking his mind and preaching his truth. He was never afraid of being shot down because she stood up for the rights of his people. I do not know if this was entirely true because I feel like everyone has some type of fear. But even if Malcolm X was SOMEWHAT afraid of the consequences of his actions, he never showed it. This is why I admire him so much.
( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9AmuYqjRyg )
As for myself, I can continue to advocate for the rights of my people. I think it is ridiculous that we still have to deal with the same issues that we have been dealing with for years now, but I do not see these problems going away anytime soon (sad to say). I will continue to share whatever knowledge I have with the youth, and I will continue to support my people in any way that I can.
ReplyDeleteI remember Trayvon’s death very clearly, his death was so impactful to my life that my mother wouldn't allow me to walk in my neighborhood after the streets lights came on. Trayvon’s death to me marked the breaking point, it served as a reminder of what still existed and exists in America. His death caused an up roar in the black community, which made people get up and stand up like MLK did.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia0w_dOj7R4
What amazed me the most about MLK was his drive for change. After seeing the way LBJ and other white officials resisted the compromises that MLK was asking and how they retaliated to non violence changed my whole paradigm. In high school I was taught that the Civil Rights laws were prolonged because of legislation problems but in reality the moral complexes of our American leaders are ass backwards. MLK’s call to action in his letter from jail was interesting because he uses the moral codes of other cultures, religions, and races to show that the injustice that blacks face were outrageous. MLK use of logic and rhetoric was very powerful to me because in world of violence to fight with words is almost like bringing a knife to a gun fight, but it seems as he knew that with intellect and persistence any obstacle can be conquered.
Another person that really made an impact on me personally was Marnie Till. Many emotions washed over me as I watched her talk about what happened to her son. Her strength and the way she kept calm throughout the whole interview resonates with me. She wanted to speak out on what happened so no other mother would feel how she felt. Marnie Till made me appreciate my mother more just because she truly showed a mothers love for her son.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFWfewArqg4
Personally, before I can help I need to educate myself more, fully submerge myself so I can understand what exactly are we facing as a collective. Then I can successful strategize and come up with a plan to combat these injustices we are still facing.
I couldn't agree with you more! I feel as though I know and see what's going on, but I do not take the time to educate myself on whats really going beyond the media and hearsay. Trayvons death should have been enough to wake up this whole generation considering he was our age, but it took some time for people to actually see that we are still in the same place our ancestors were and now its time for us to stand as one to do what needs to be done.
Deleteall what have been read and watched unite II its just continue to make it clear to me how its a problem if you born black . Dr King Jr and Malcolm X saw this problem long time ago and they stood up and but their lives to face this injustice and racism that the black people dealing with .both of them have different way to solve the problem Dr king was more quiet and he used the non-violence way .unlike Malcolm X he was so ready to fight maybe.also something I saw in what we read and watch so far that the white people hate the black people so much more than we imagine they don't like color people and this is going on on their blood . Also they make sure even their children have the same felling toward black people.the movie selma and the freedom riders draw the picture about ok they don't like us and all what want is to put us down and behind and that never stop it going for ever like what Dr.king said and if someone ask for something they will say they can WAIT . we should stand up and speak about this issue because no body will do if we didn't and do something about it ,to get up and let the our lives matters and mean something .we have to get up and continue we all these hero die for and educates our kids and show them what going on long time ago .honestly there are so much thing i had learn in this class that i wasn't aware of them so by educate ourselves will make us strong enough to face the injustice to ensure freedom for all people no matter who their are.
ReplyDeleteThe night of February 26, 2012 was a night that struck the biggest outcry in Americans; It was the night 17 year old Trayvon Martin was fatally shot by George Zimmerman a community watch coordinator. This was around the time that I was suiting up for my senior year in High School so me and Trayvon were around the same exact age. I remember when it first happened because people everywhere were so angry and upset. As the years have passed since 2012, things have only gotten worst if you ask me and 2012 wasnt the beginning of it all, it was just the beginning of this generation opening its eyes. Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Alton Sterling and Sandra Bland are just a few victims that have all died due to police brutality and at some point you have to stand up and not only acknowledge whats going on, but also do something about it; this is why Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was such an inspiration not just during the civil rights movement, but even today; African Americans may not be in chains physically, but mentally we are and are still fighting for the right to be looked at as equally as everyone else.
ReplyDeleteI've always been the type to sit back and observe what goes on in the world, not really commenting or doing anything about the madness. After the shooting in Ferguson, I sat back and watched things happen within my community up until September 20,2016 when the shooting of Keith Scott happened in Charlotte, NC. I don't know if it was because I was sick and tired of seeing African Americans endure the pain or the fact that it was happening in my own backyard, but I definitely found my voice on that day and got up to stand with so many others in peaceful protests. Dr. King also came into mind as I thought about how disappointed he would be if he were here and what he would do about it(defiantly not sit on the couch shaking his head). I decided then that instead of sitting on the couch shaking my head at what was going on around me, it was time to actually do something that would help the community. Regardless of its put in the news or not, its happening and I think people are beginning to take a stand just like me because this is ridiculous. Decades later African Americans are pretty much still in the same position they were when King and Malcom X were here; its just dressed up prettier today. Making people aware of the problem at hand is the first step because there's people out there that are like me in 2012. They see whats going on, but are thinking this isn't real and cant possibly be happening in real life. It shouldn't take for the madness to happen within reaching distance for people to stay woke, so I believe bringing awareness to people is the first step to making a stand in America. Then just as Dr. King would have done, take action. White people are living comfortably everyday where they don't have to teach their children how to respond to police, so its time that blacks are allowed the same treatment.
The death of Trayvon Martin is one of the most iconic deaths of my generation. This particular death really hit home because as a young black male in this country I saw injustice taking place with his murder. His murder was a turning point in our country because not only did justice not get served, but a young life was taken away on the account of a racist man who was trying to be a "hero". As far as leaders are concerned, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were both influential in this time period of segregation because the steps they took to make a change in our nation were outrageous, but effective. Martin used his peaceful tactics and power dialect to shape our nation for the better. Martin wasn't the perfect man, but he still showed black men to stand up for what they believed in no matter what it took. Malcolm X used a radical approach when it came to the civil rights era. He believed that the way to get results were to take affirmative action and go straight to the source. These two people, in addition to many others, made sure that they did whatever it took to make change within our country. The major thing about their tactic is that they kept striving until they got results. They never stopped after they were beaten. They kept pushing forward. As we watched the film Selma, we saw that the African American community stood up for what they believed was right and they would go through whatever to get that goal accomplished. With all the blood, sweat and tears that they went through, they were not afraid to take a stand. I do believe that their mindset and ambition has motivated our generation today to be able to stand up for what we believe is right. With all the police brutality and racial issues going on within our nation, the younger generation is not afraid to go out to protest and march for specific causes that rises up in our nation and I know that if we keep this up, we will teach our kids and keep pressing for the goals that we want to achieve.
ReplyDeleteI have always been fascinated by the rhetoric of Malcolm X. His aggressive and almost militant approach was always something that I greatly admired but at the same time, disturbed me. It upset me because I understand the history of the nation and I can draw a clear line to show me what led to the formation of a leader such as Malcolm X. It is upsetting to see that throughout his speech “the ballot or the bullet”, many of the issues that he brings up are still greatly affecting the Black community today. It made up sad to see that there is a great amount of progress that still needs to be down towards equal rights in all minority communities. Events such as the murder of Trayvon Martin, the Charleston Church shooting, The murder of Eric Garner, etc. can still be happening even after America has claimed to give all minorities their equal and true human rights. I really liked the point that Malcolm X brought up about human rights in his “ballot or the bullet” speech. Where he stated “You can take Uncle Sam before a world court. But the only level you can do it on is the level of human rights. Civil rights keeps you under his restrictions, under his jurisdiction.” I think he brings up a very solid argument about how civil rights are always promised without the mentioning of human rights while many of those human rights are being violated. Examples such as the murder of Trayvon Martin, the Flint water crisis, the prison system, etc. They can all be argued as violations of natural human rights. I have always respected Malcolm X and I only recently got to really learn everything about him such as his history and his viewpoints. I went to high school in a predominantly white community and the school did not really mention Malcolm X during our “Civil rights” unit. It seemed like they glossed over that part of history. It felt like they feared him and everything he was saying. Now that I have researched him, I understand that much of his arguments can be considered extreme, but I believe that it was necessary for the time. The same arguments that can be considered extreme, in my opinion, can also be applied to the American Revolution. It always baffles me to see those that argue against the Black Lives Matter movement and those that claim that the movement is “violent” and “harmful” to the black community without stating solutions to give African Americans equal rights. I plan to be completely aware of everything that is occurring within the Black Lives matter movement and strive forward to show America that African Americans are more than basketball players and rappers. That we built this country and we need to be shown that we are appreciated and we desire to be treated equally. Kendrick Lamar’s song “The Blacker the Berry” is, in my opinion, is a very important and deep song that shows just exactly how the black community is viewed by the world and how those in the community view the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLG10604Cig
ReplyDeleteThe person I chose was Malcolm X, mainly because he was very influencial to he stood by "any means necessary". He went through so much growing up, and he was a prominent member in the movement. In the ballot of the bullet they brought about black nationalism which was the power of media, black economic empowerment, black owned businesses, and how it provides jobs. I was impressed because he went through so much as he was growing up from his dad being lynched to being accused of homosexuality, but he still continued to try to achieve his goals. I currently am doing a project in my other class on black lives matter, I am going out to spread knowledge of how racism is still relevant today and I am going to donate to victim families, and share my knowledge on social media. For example, in Selma a lot of blacks went across the bridge to achieve equality but ended up getting ran away, but they didn't give up they came back and achieved exactly what they were going to achieve. Just as Malcolm X did. /Users/ashleyhughes/Desktop/579.jpg
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ReplyDeleteFor me, what I found so interesting is the age of more of these revolutionaries and activist when they started get up and stand up. Most of them were probably my age or even younger. What stands out to me the most in the Black panthers doc is the young 13 year old girl wanting to be apart of the organization at an age where you are starting to just understand the world. It reminded me of the time when I first heard about the Black Panthers from my uncle, who is a big Tupac Shakur fan, he was telling me about everything they did for the black community and how they wanted to change government. In a way, I wanted to be apart of that but I didn't know how. However, the death of Trayvon Martin really hits close to me because the year he was murdered my brother at the time was the same age, and I thought like that could have been my brother. Then, with Tamir Rice, I have a brother close to his age so I sort of became numb. Its sad to see someone younger than you die over nothing and nothing is being done about these unexplained murders of black children and adults. So, what I've started to do was get local government offices and legislatures and congress members emails and mailing address so that I can write them and start the conversation. Also, in the town I live in, in New Jersey, my brother and some of his friends started the conversation of what now? We might not have no Fred Hamptons and Malcolm X's but in todays generation we have a lot of black children ready to see a change.
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