NAACP (M.K. and K.M.)
The NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights organization. It has been around since 1909. The NAACP participated in many events, such as being the co-organizer of the March on Washington, and being in Supreme Court cases. It’s mission is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.
- The Start of the NAACP
- Brown v. Board of Education Linda Brown was born on February 20, 1942, in Topeka Kansas. She became a part of civil rights history as a third grader at Topeka public schools in Kansas. In the 1950’s a group of lawyers from the NAACP argued before the Supreme Court that segregation of black children in the public schools was unconstitutional because it violated the fourteenth Amendment. In 1950, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People asked a group of African-American parents that included Oliver Brown to attempt to enroll their children in all-white schools. Oliver Brown, attempted to enroll Linda. She was denied admission into the white elementary school. Brown being alphabetically top of the lists of plaintiffs, the case would be known as Brown v, Board of Education. Oliver challenged Kansas’s school segregation laws in the supreme court. Thats where the NAACP stepped in. Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP took Brown’s case. In 1954 the Supreme Court surprisingly ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in Brown v. Board of Education. This case led to the outlawing of U.S school segregation in 1954.
- Morgan v. Virginia On July 16, 1944, twenty-seven-year-old Irene Morgan stepped on a crowded bus. After several miles, she took a seat three rows from the back of the bus, in front of some white passengers. The bus driver told Morgan to get out of her seat, for a white passenger. Morgan refused to get out of her seat, then she was removed from the bus, and arrested. Lawyers of the NAACP took on Morgans case. Then on June 4, 1946 the Supreme Court made its decision. In a 7 to 1 ruling they struck down the Virginia law, and similar laws in other states mandating Jim Crow laws. In other words the Supreme Court banned states from having segregated facilities on busses and trains that crossed state borders.
- Events the NAACP participated in
- Important People from the NAACP
- The NAACP Today
- The NAACP Today
Black Panthers (C.V. & C. S.)
There were many different colored groups during the Civil Rights Movement. Most of them choose the same path which was non violence, but this one group decided take a whole different route, and called themselves the Black Panthers. They took the route of Violence, since they thought this route would solve the problem of segregation.
Founding of the BPP
The wood that fed the fire that was violence in the civil rights movement. The group started in Oakland, California where Stokely Carmichael, Bobby Seale, and Huey P. Newton gave speeches, and were apart of the SNCC at the time. In their speeches they included that the non-violence campaign did not work, and should moved to more radical view of violence (History Learning Site). From the inspiration of Malcolm-X when he was assassinated, all three of them left the SNCC when they finished college. After this, in 1966 the three of them started a new radical group called The Black Panthers. Carmichael was the first honorary leader of the group which started recruiting people and arming themselves in the fight against segregation (Wikipedia).
The wood that fed the fire that was violence in the civil rights movement. The group started in Oakland, California where Stokely Carmichael, Bobby Seale, and Huey P. Newton gave speeches, and were apart of the SNCC at the time. In their speeches they included that the non-violence campaign did not work, and should moved to more radical view of violence (History Learning Site). From the inspiration of Malcolm-X when he was assassinated, all three of them left the SNCC when they finished college. After this, in 1966 the three of them started a new radical group called The Black Panthers. Carmichael was the first honorary leader of the group which started recruiting people and arming themselves in the fight against segregation (Wikipedia).
Leaders of the Black Panthers Party
Huey P Newton and Bobby Seale, sons of the violent civil rights movement, they are responsible for creating the Black Panther Party. In the beginning they were joined by Stokely Carmichael who left because he was more involved in the protests and spreading of the ideal “Black Power.” Huey and Bobby helped organize great things for black communities in California. Such as, but not limited to free breakfast for children, police review boards, and patrols of black communities (attempting to replace police to end police brutality)(DISCovering U.S. History). Huey also organized many clashes with the police. In most of these clashes the Panthers had declared innocence and said that the police had ambushed them. When in reality the Panthers had every intention to attack the police. After fighting the cops Huey was convicted for murder in 1967, and went to Jail after The Black Panthers protested a lot while he was on trial. Once Huey got out of prison the F.B.I. was on the way of taking apart the Panthers from the inside out while Bobby went to jail also in 1970. Huey left the Black Panther Party and fled to Cuba in 1974, and so did Bobby that same year (Columbia Encyclopedia).
Huey P Newton and Bobby Seale, sons of the violent civil rights movement, they are responsible for creating the Black Panther Party. In the beginning they were joined by Stokely Carmichael who left because he was more involved in the protests and spreading of the ideal “Black Power.” Huey and Bobby helped organize great things for black communities in California. Such as, but not limited to free breakfast for children, police review boards, and patrols of black communities (attempting to replace police to end police brutality)(DISCovering U.S. History). Huey also organized many clashes with the police. In most of these clashes the Panthers had declared innocence and said that the police had ambushed them. When in reality the Panthers had every intention to attack the police. After fighting the cops Huey was convicted for murder in 1967, and went to Jail after The Black Panthers protested a lot while he was on trial. Once Huey got out of prison the F.B.I. was on the way of taking apart the Panthers from the inside out while Bobby went to jail also in 1970. Huey left the Black Panther Party and fled to Cuba in 1974, and so did Bobby that same year (Columbia Encyclopedia).
The Panthers Ten-Point Plan
The start of the end. In order to end segregation, The Black Panthers created a plan of things they wanted to change from the white people in which they called it the ten-point plan. It was issued in 1967, and had things like full employment of all colored people, have equal education that other races have, and have all the freedom that other races have. This is what this party lived and breathed by as they followed this plan in all of their radical based things like the shootings they had with the cops and the protesting against segregation. The party tried to help itself by providing health, education,employment, and house free breakfast for children in black communities although they thought violence was the best option. The Black Panthers would not stop the violence until these plans were fulfilled (Marxist History).
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YcmDVe3Kynea-45XQkrKl4xABK6ao8aogX1slo1KEC0/edit?usp=sharing
The start of the end. In order to end segregation, The Black Panthers created a plan of things they wanted to change from the white people in which they called it the ten-point plan. It was issued in 1967, and had things like full employment of all colored people, have equal education that other races have, and have all the freedom that other races have. This is what this party lived and breathed by as they followed this plan in all of their radical based things like the shootings they had with the cops and the protesting against segregation. The party tried to help itself by providing health, education,employment, and house free breakfast for children in black communities although they thought violence was the best option. The Black Panthers would not stop the violence until these plans were fulfilled (Marxist History).
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YcmDVe3Kynea-45XQkrKl4xABK6ao8aogX1slo1KEC0/edit?usp=sharing
Ending of the Black Panthers
Of course the U.S. federal government would not let this group kill innocent policemen, so the F.B.I Director, J. Edgar Hoover at the time started a program called COINTELPRO which was to terminate Black Panthers from existence in 1967. J. Edgar Hoover described The Panthers as "the greatest threat to the internal security of the country." The program went into full swing in 1969 when the F.B.I started to plant spies into the party, and went on raids to make sure The Black Panthers were not harming innocent people. By just a year later the F.B.I killed 28 Panthers, and sent many more to prison, and yet put the two main leaders of the group, Bobby Seale and Huey Newton to prison. Once they were both in prison, almost all of the members left, and by 1974 the party was not a big factor to the U.S. government and the COINTELPRO group was dismissed (DISCovering U.S. History).
Of course the U.S. federal government would not let this group kill innocent policemen, so the F.B.I Director, J. Edgar Hoover at the time started a program called COINTELPRO which was to terminate Black Panthers from existence in 1967. J. Edgar Hoover described The Panthers as "the greatest threat to the internal security of the country." The program went into full swing in 1969 when the F.B.I started to plant spies into the party, and went on raids to make sure The Black Panthers were not harming innocent people. By just a year later the F.B.I killed 28 Panthers, and sent many more to prison, and yet put the two main leaders of the group, Bobby Seale and Huey Newton to prison. Once they were both in prison, almost all of the members left, and by 1974 the party was not a big factor to the U.S. government and the COINTELPRO group was dismissed (DISCovering U.S. History).
Black Power
A call to arms for some a sign of hope for others. Stokely Carmichael started a new slogan which called “Black Power” which meant to stop non violence and to act in violence against white people and to control their communities and from this the Black Panther Party started. The Black power reference went to the olympics where two black olympics athletes saluted it in the 1968 Olympics after winning medals. Because of this these athletes were suspended for the salute. The true meaning of Black Power was clouded when white people thought that this meant that thousands of black people were ready to rise up and rebel. When in reality the black power was just a call for equality in public affairs such as local, state, and national governments. Also the military and police agencies.
A call to arms for some a sign of hope for others. Stokely Carmichael started a new slogan which called “Black Power” which meant to stop non violence and to act in violence against white people and to control their communities and from this the Black Panther Party started. The Black power reference went to the olympics where two black olympics athletes saluted it in the 1968 Olympics after winning medals. Because of this these athletes were suspended for the salute. The true meaning of Black Power was clouded when white people thought that this meant that thousands of black people were ready to rise up and rebel. When in reality the black power was just a call for equality in public affairs such as local, state, and national governments. Also the military and police agencies.
New Black Panther Party: No “political ties” to the old party, which started back in 1989. In the recent case of George Zimmerman murdering Trayvon Martin. The new party is asking a bounty of $10,000 dollars for Zimmerman, and were protesting for his arrest back in 2012. They got their wish, and went to court, but was found not guilty. No one currently has accepted the bounty. The new black panther party president did make a statement praising Osama Bin Laden in 2002 for “not bowing down” to America.
Black Panthers (D.K. & A.B.)
The Black Panthers were a group of African Americans who believed in self defense. They wanted to protect the community and their people against the white’s policies brutal acts. They didn’t believe in Martin Luther King Jr’s belief in nonviolence and wanted to fight back.
- Black Panther Party Created
In 1966 the Black Panther Party was created by Malcolm X along with Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. The Black Panthers went against Martin Luther King Jr. and decided that fighting back and violence would lead to equal rights. Armed black panthers followed police officers as they went through black neighborhoods to protect any citizens that would be bothered by the police. During the 1970’s the Black Panther Party fell apart because the FBI thought they were a threat. They held free health clinics and breakfast for underprivileged children. In the late 1960s, Panthers began to work with white groups who agreed that the problem wasn’t so much white against black but rich against poor.
- Free Breakfast
- Bobby Seale
- Huey Newton
- Afeni Shakur
Still in the twenty first century the disort and disfigure of the Black Panther legacy continues. The new Black Panthers have held rallies with historical African Americans living today. Hillary Clinton, during her early political campaigning, made an effort to protect the rights of the Black Panthers.
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R0Uoz6vOH-dU0Nh91V2ja3nd0Yg-ebW619k6ZFSihqc/edit
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R0Uoz6vOH-dU0Nh91V2ja3nd0Yg-ebW619k6ZFSihqc/edit
SCLC (W. W. and B. H.)
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, SCLC, is an African-American civil rights group. During the Civil Rights Movement, the SCLC had several thousands of members and played a large role in the Civil Rights Movement in the South by participating in many anti-segregation campaigns. The organization’s main goal was to help desegregate the South completely through non-violent tactics.
Founding
The genesis of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference can be traced back to the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, which began after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a public bus. The boycott lasted for 381 days and ended on December 21, 1956 when the city's buses were finally desegregated. However, the SCLC’s exact origins came from World War II. Blacks returning from service in World War II were no longer able to accept the injustices in that they had fought against abroad, and the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision strengthened a national movement to desegregate the public schools. Many African Americans began to come together in local clubs and began to attract a broad base of supporters. The exact founding date was January 10, 1957, about a month after the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott. According to Martin Luther King Jr, “‘ten years ago during the piercing chill of a January day and on the heels of the year-long Montgomery bus boycott, a group of approximately one hundred Negro leaders from across the South assembled in this church and agreed on the need for an organization to be formed that could serve as a channel through which local protest organizations in the South could coordinate their protest activities. It was this meeting that gave birth to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.”’ ("Where Do We Go from Here").
The genesis of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference can be traced back to the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, which began after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a public bus. The boycott lasted for 381 days and ended on December 21, 1956 when the city's buses were finally desegregated. However, the SCLC’s exact origins came from World War II. Blacks returning from service in World War II were no longer able to accept the injustices in that they had fought against abroad, and the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision strengthened a national movement to desegregate the public schools. Many African Americans began to come together in local clubs and began to attract a broad base of supporters. The exact founding date was January 10, 1957, about a month after the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott. According to Martin Luther King Jr, “‘ten years ago during the piercing chill of a January day and on the heels of the year-long Montgomery bus boycott, a group of approximately one hundred Negro leaders from across the South assembled in this church and agreed on the need for an organization to be formed that could serve as a channel through which local protest organizations in the South could coordinate their protest activities. It was this meeting that gave birth to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.”’ ("Where Do We Go from Here").
Early Days
Although the SCLC became a significant contributor in the Civil Rights Movement, the organization struggled to find “footholds” in African-American communities in its early days. One reason was because those in favor of racial equality faced a fierce repression from the police, White Citizens' Council and the Ku Klux Klan. Also, many Black Leaders believed that, instead of participating in boycotts and protests, segregation should be challenged by courts and other more direct actions. Traditionally, leadership in black communities came from the educated ministers, professionals, teachers, who spoke for the less educated laborers, maids, farm-hands, and working poor who made up most of the black population. Many of these leaders were uneasy at involving ordinary blacks in non-violent protests, such as boycotts and marches. As a result, the growth of the SCLC decelerated.
Although the SCLC became a significant contributor in the Civil Rights Movement, the organization struggled to find “footholds” in African-American communities in its early days. One reason was because those in favor of racial equality faced a fierce repression from the police, White Citizens' Council and the Ku Klux Klan. Also, many Black Leaders believed that, instead of participating in boycotts and protests, segregation should be challenged by courts and other more direct actions. Traditionally, leadership in black communities came from the educated ministers, professionals, teachers, who spoke for the less educated laborers, maids, farm-hands, and working poor who made up most of the black population. Many of these leaders were uneasy at involving ordinary blacks in non-violent protests, such as boycotts and marches. As a result, the growth of the SCLC decelerated.
The Albany Movement
One of the SCLC’s first movements, the Albany Movement, took place in Albany, Georgia. The Albany Movement was where Civil Rights leaders, such as Martin Luther King and Ralph Abernathy, led about 264 people to the Albany City Hall to protest, but they were arrested for parading without permits. These efforts led the city to abolish a few segregation measures. However, by late in the year 1962, the Albany Movement existed only in name: it was a failure with few successes. To Martin Luther King Jr., this movement was a failure and even a misstep. ‘“Our protest was so vague that we got nothing and people were left depressed and in despair”’ (Wexler 213). However, the movement was a moral victory for black citizens of Albany. When the children saw their parents step into the protests to lead the demonstration, they were determined not to live their lives like their parents, but instead, live in the United States of America as full citizens. Although the movement was considered as a failure, it taught a key lesson in strategy and tactics for the National Civil Rights Movement.
One of the SCLC’s first movements, the Albany Movement, took place in Albany, Georgia. The Albany Movement was where Civil Rights leaders, such as Martin Luther King and Ralph Abernathy, led about 264 people to the Albany City Hall to protest, but they were arrested for parading without permits. These efforts led the city to abolish a few segregation measures. However, by late in the year 1962, the Albany Movement existed only in name: it was a failure with few successes. To Martin Luther King Jr., this movement was a failure and even a misstep. ‘“Our protest was so vague that we got nothing and people were left depressed and in despair”’ (Wexler 213). However, the movement was a moral victory for black citizens of Albany. When the children saw their parents step into the protests to lead the demonstration, they were determined not to live their lives like their parents, but instead, live in the United States of America as full citizens. Although the movement was considered as a failure, it taught a key lesson in strategy and tactics for the National Civil Rights Movement.
Birmingham Campaign
The Birmingham campaign was organized by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1963 to bring attention to the integration efforts of Blacks in Birmingham, Alabama. According to BBC, "The Birmingham demonstrations were the most massive civil rights protests that had yet occurred.” In the Birmingham Campaign, SCLC President, Martin Luther King Jr., and other members of the SCLC worked on desegregating the city using non-violence tactics. Their plan was to infiltrate Birmingham's black communities and teach its citizens about non-violent protest tactics. They also recruited hundreds of local African-American citizens to help them teach non-violence tactics at black churches. On April 3, 1963, King and his SCLC colleagues arrived at Birmingham. Immediately, they issued a manifesto with all the grievances of Birmingham’s black citizens. A few days later, the SCLC instructed a civil rights leader named Fred Shuttlesworth to lead 30 blacks to march in the city. All of the men protesting were arrested. After Shuttlesworth’s arrest, King led 50 hymn-singing marchers towards Birmingham. On April 13, 1963, King was also arrested. Later, the SCLC led blacks to boycott and protest. These events led to an extreme drop of sales for merchants, and on May 12, desegregation negotiations were launched to the blacks of Birmingham. The protest concluded as a successful event.
The Birmingham campaign was organized by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1963 to bring attention to the integration efforts of Blacks in Birmingham, Alabama. According to BBC, "The Birmingham demonstrations were the most massive civil rights protests that had yet occurred.” In the Birmingham Campaign, SCLC President, Martin Luther King Jr., and other members of the SCLC worked on desegregating the city using non-violence tactics. Their plan was to infiltrate Birmingham's black communities and teach its citizens about non-violent protest tactics. They also recruited hundreds of local African-American citizens to help them teach non-violence tactics at black churches. On April 3, 1963, King and his SCLC colleagues arrived at Birmingham. Immediately, they issued a manifesto with all the grievances of Birmingham’s black citizens. A few days later, the SCLC instructed a civil rights leader named Fred Shuttlesworth to lead 30 blacks to march in the city. All of the men protesting were arrested. After Shuttlesworth’s arrest, King led 50 hymn-singing marchers towards Birmingham. On April 13, 1963, King was also arrested. Later, the SCLC led blacks to boycott and protest. These events led to an extreme drop of sales for merchants, and on May 12, desegregation negotiations were launched to the blacks of Birmingham. The protest concluded as a successful event.
Chicago Freedom Movement
"It was said that you could not expose segregation in the North because it was subtle. This actually was everything except subtle. It was dynamic, it was real, blatant, ugly, violent" (Jesse James). The Chicago Freedom Movement, or the Chicago Open Housing Movement, was led by Martin Luther King, Jr, James Bevel and Al Raby. The movement had a large rally: many marches, and demands which were delivered to the City of Chicago. These demands covered a enormous range of area, besides open housing, including quality education, transportation and job accessibility, income, employment, health, and the criminal justice system. The Chicago Freedom Movement was easily the most ambitious civil rights campaign in the Northern United States, and lasted two years, from the mid-1965 to the early 1967. The Movement is credited for giving inspiration for the 1968 Fair Housing Act. The Chicago Movement was auspicious in exposing and expelling segregation in the North.
"It was said that you could not expose segregation in the North because it was subtle. This actually was everything except subtle. It was dynamic, it was real, blatant, ugly, violent" (Jesse James). The Chicago Freedom Movement, or the Chicago Open Housing Movement, was led by Martin Luther King, Jr, James Bevel and Al Raby. The movement had a large rally: many marches, and demands which were delivered to the City of Chicago. These demands covered a enormous range of area, besides open housing, including quality education, transportation and job accessibility, income, employment, health, and the criminal justice system. The Chicago Freedom Movement was easily the most ambitious civil rights campaign in the Northern United States, and lasted two years, from the mid-1965 to the early 1967. The Movement is credited for giving inspiration for the 1968 Fair Housing Act. The Chicago Movement was auspicious in exposing and expelling segregation in the North.
In its current days, the SCLC held hearings on police brutality, organized a rally for the 37th anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech, and launched an extremely successful campaign to change the Georgia state flag, which previously had a Confederate flag on it. The current organization, with Isaac Newton Farris Jr. as president, still aids with Civil Rights all across the world.
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZVJ0mdbCU2-nrhj98A93Y9ShCHiOxKWDurRxMVySCPg/edit
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZVJ0mdbCU2-nrhj98A93Y9ShCHiOxKWDurRxMVySCPg/edit
Freedom Riders (C.A. & W.B.)
The world has changed an incredible amounts in the last 60 years. We have gone from treating african americans as less than human to our complete equals as we should. One of the key factor in changing the tide in equality was the freedom riders. They were people from up north coming down south to inform the african american population of their voting and human rights.
Trouble with the KKK
The freedom riders were constantly at risk by the KKK. The KKK was a white supremacist group that had total control over law and government organization. There were many attacks during their rides, the most serious of them was an attack on the bus itself setting it on fire with freedom riders while they were on there way to Birmingham. This occurred for 15 minutes without the police becoming involved. Bull Connor head of law enforcement and a leader of the KKK which allowed the KKK to Burn, Bomb, Kill and main the bus of freedom riders.
The freedom riders were constantly at risk by the KKK. The KKK was a white supremacist group that had total control over law and government organization. There were many attacks during their rides, the most serious of them was an attack on the bus itself setting it on fire with freedom riders while they were on there way to Birmingham. This occurred for 15 minutes without the police becoming involved. Bull Connor head of law enforcement and a leader of the KKK which allowed the KKK to Burn, Bomb, Kill and main the bus of freedom riders.
Prison Trouble
By the end of the summer 328 freedom riders had served time in mississippi prisons for multiple reasons which none of which would pertain to a white man during this period of time. The FBI stood by as well and gave no protection to the Riders that gave the south limited rights with bus travel which led to the bus boycott. During this time it led limited federal rights to the freedom riders. Many of the belonged to the revitalized congress of racial equality which had tested integration laws during the 1940s (CORE) which was a plan that was led by Martin Luther King Jr.
By the end of the summer 328 freedom riders had served time in mississippi prisons for multiple reasons which none of which would pertain to a white man during this period of time. The FBI stood by as well and gave no protection to the Riders that gave the south limited rights with bus travel which led to the bus boycott. During this time it led limited federal rights to the freedom riders. Many of the belonged to the revitalized congress of racial equality which had tested integration laws during the 1940s (CORE) which was a plan that was led by Martin Luther King Jr.
Government Problem
Government officials and their desire to stop the Freedom Riders, and the ever-present journalists who were on hand to document and bear witness on the historic events were trying to do everything they could possibly do to stop and get rid of the freedom riders. These freedom riders were being tortured in many different ways that caused Dr.King to gather all of his fellow blacks and decided to cause a riot that would eventually end the bus boycott. Ending the bus boycott was one of the major victories of the civil rights movement. It proved that the african americans had power that they were unaware of before.
Government officials and their desire to stop the Freedom Riders, and the ever-present journalists who were on hand to document and bear witness on the historic events were trying to do everything they could possibly do to stop and get rid of the freedom riders. These freedom riders were being tortured in many different ways that caused Dr.King to gather all of his fellow blacks and decided to cause a riot that would eventually end the bus boycott. Ending the bus boycott was one of the major victories of the civil rights movement. It proved that the african americans had power that they were unaware of before.
Blood struggle
After the most vicious attack which occurred on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1961, in Anniston, Alabama by Klansmen who set fire to a bus on which the FR rode, student activists from Nashville, TN organized a ride of their own. This was one of the most vicious rides that ever occurred. This is big ride that caused Dr. King to gather his idea of beginning a riot that he hoped would eventually get the south to give up. Thousands gathered in a church to hear what their leader had to say, this was one of the largest mass meetings in the civil rights movement.
After the most vicious attack which occurred on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1961, in Anniston, Alabama by Klansmen who set fire to a bus on which the FR rode, student activists from Nashville, TN organized a ride of their own. This was one of the most vicious rides that ever occurred. This is big ride that caused Dr. King to gather his idea of beginning a riot that he hoped would eventually get the south to give up. Thousands gathered in a church to hear what their leader had to say, this was one of the largest mass meetings in the civil rights movement.
Safety Struggle
There was no help or safety for the freedom riders down south. The white population was constantly against them and the blacks were too terrified. When your life wasn’t threatened it was your job, or our house, or even your family. The freedom riders were constantly trying to teach the black community about their rights as equals and to vote but with an all white court, jury, and police force there wasn’t much equality around.
There was no help or safety for the freedom riders down south. The white population was constantly against them and the blacks were too terrified. When your life wasn’t threatened it was your job, or our house, or even your family. The freedom riders were constantly trying to teach the black community about their rights as equals and to vote but with an all white court, jury, and police force there wasn’t much equality around.
Present Day Freedom Rides
Although the freedom rides were over 50 years ago they remain unforgotten. A recent example of this is a book named Children of the Movement. This book tells the story of 24 of the most iconic civil right activists, many of them freedom riders. Many of them and their families were pulled apart by the horrors of the struggle to equality. Even in current day we refuse to let their efforts go to waste by remembering and listening to their sacrifice.
source: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1USLnCL3bD-DmD3QtnnQKC5iHYimcczbxyF7_CgFefMY/edit
Although the freedom rides were over 50 years ago they remain unforgotten. A recent example of this is a book named Children of the Movement. This book tells the story of 24 of the most iconic civil right activists, many of them freedom riders. Many of them and their families were pulled apart by the horrors of the struggle to equality. Even in current day we refuse to let their efforts go to waste by remembering and listening to their sacrifice.
source: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1USLnCL3bD-DmD3QtnnQKC5iHYimcczbxyF7_CgFefMY/edit
Freedom Riders (C.R. and S.H.)
The Freedom Riders were a group of blacks and whites who opposed segregation. As a way to end segregation they rode Freedom Rides around the many segregated southern states in 1961. They did not begin in 1961 though, they began as early as the 19th century when blacks started to challenge segregated seating in public transportation. While more and more people started hearing about these freedom rides, more people began to join in on them.
- Who was involved in the Freedom Rides?
- What did the Freedom Riders do and why did they do it?
- Where did the Freedom Riders ride to?
- How did the South respond to the Freedom Riders?
- What impact did the Freedom Riders have on our Future?
Today many people are teaming up to raise twenty million to thirty million dollars to build a park in honor of the Freedom Riders. It will consist of statues of some of the riders and some of the scenes through the Freedom Ride. They are hoping some of the Freedom Riders can give a reflection at the opening of the Freedom Riders Park which will start at the Anniston City Meeting Center. The Freedom Riders made a huge impact on the Civil Rights movement and the freedoms we have today.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xC4XNPxMDGwws7FXStRrEFZSVWqBIbYDVAjO72Ws_64/edithttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1xC4XNPxMDGwws7FXStRrEFZSVWqBIbYDVAjO72Ws_64/edit
SNCC (A.P. & K.T.)
The SNCC stands for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The SNCC has gone through major changes throughout its “life” and is quite unique compared to other civil rights effort groups. The SNCC has many interesting facts about it, but below is five need-to-know facts about the SNCC.
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee strived to be independent. The SNCC developed their own projects and strategies separate from Dr.King’s. Even though they wanted to be independent, the SNCC worked with another group called the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. (SCLC) “Dr.King was a member of the SCLC and had wanted the SNCC to be a youth wing for the SCLC”(Uschan 65), but the SNCC chose to be independent. This is important because the SNCC did their own projects lead by youth and this shows how the SNCC is independent from other groups. The picture is of member pins within the SNCC (History.com Staff).
The SNCC was largely involved in Freedom Rides, when student activist ride on interstate buses from Washington D.C. to Jackson, Mississippi, which challenged segregation on interstate buses. Freedom Rides were the SNCC’s first big project, and Freedom Rides got them recognized. Freedom rides were originally lead by The Congress of Racial Equality, but after attacks they stopped. The SNCC wasn’t afraid though, “Students from Nashville, under the leadership of Diane Nash, resolved to finish the rides” ("Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee" 1). The Freedom Rides are an important moment in the SNCC’s history because it was their first big project and it shows how the SNCC is brave while other organizations abandon projects. The picture is a route for the Freedom Riders (Freedom Riders Route).
Unlike most Civil Rights efforts at the time, the SNCC was lead by high school and college students. Normally, “Ministers or business men would lead these efforts. This drive was powered by students.” (Uschan 65). The SNCC was officially founded on April 15, 1960 in Raleigh, North Carolina when many college students met and formed their own independent civil rights group. This is how the SNCC formed, which is important because this is how they formed. It also shows that the SNCC is more unique than other civil rights groups.
At one point, the SNCC decided the whole white community was the enemy. Declaring that the white community as a whole is their enemy isn’t an act of violence, but it seems aggressive and nonviolent is part of the SNCC’s name. Interesting that MLK Jr. wanted the SNCC to be a youth branch to the SCLC, and then the SNCC turned aggressive which is against MLK Jr.’s ideology. This act also defines their independence from other civil rights groups further. “SNCC lost most of its white money and support when it decided that the white community as a whole was its enemy -- politically, culturally, socially, and economically. In order to make up for the loss of white money and white support, SNCC launched a new appeal aimed at northern Negro college students.”(Hamilton 6). This is important to know, for it defined the SNCC’s independence from other civil rights groups and shows that the SNCC was more radical than other groups. This also shows how the SNCC changed over time, for at first the SNCC was very passive but later on they became more aggressive.
The picture is of the chairman at the time, Strokely Carmichael, when this announcement was made (Bronx High School of Science).
The picture is of the chairman at the time, Strokely Carmichael, when this announcement was made (Bronx High School of Science).
The SNCC had importance after the civil right movement too, for the SNCC put a lot of focus is protesting the Vietnam war. The SNCC is important today because their protest for civil rights were important. Their continuation of Freedom Rides, for example, are important because it was a statement that showed that they were not scared and were going to continue their push for civil rights. This is important today for without any of the SNCC’s efforts the outcome of the Civil Rights Movement may have been altered. The veteran SNCC members now tell their stories to student activist at colleges. The SNCC now encourages student activists to tackle the unfinished social, political and economic issues that confront them as 21st century activists. This is how the SNCC is important now.
Sources found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OrSIcYhl1rv_j7foYf1uX6i2BZaRifOJ0VLKG6VeS0M/edit
Sources found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OrSIcYhl1rv_j7foYf1uX6i2BZaRifOJ0VLKG6VeS0M/edit
KKK (C.P. & B.G.)
Introduction
The KKK’s horrible history continued throughout the civil rights movement. The KKK were involved in bombings, burnings, beatings and murders. Theses tactics were used to try to continue to segregate whites and blacks.
The KKK’s horrible history continued throughout the civil rights movement. The KKK were involved in bombings, burnings, beatings and murders. Theses tactics were used to try to continue to segregate whites and blacks.
KKK - The History of Hate
Tensions between the South and the North did not subside following the Civil War. In fact, there were a number of people in the South that resisted the government’s policies regarding black equality. As a result, in 1866 a group known as the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was formed in Pulaski, Tennessee. With membership in almost every Southern state, its goal was to undermine any movement towards political and economic equality for blacks through intimidation and violence.
Tensions between the South and the North did not subside following the Civil War. In fact, there were a number of people in the South that resisted the government’s policies regarding black equality. As a result, in 1866 a group known as the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was formed in Pulaski, Tennessee. With membership in almost every Southern state, its goal was to undermine any movement towards political and economic equality for blacks through intimidation and violence.
The Members - Who Are They?
Membership of the KKK grew and waned over the next 100 years depending largely upon the political atmosphere of the times and the strength of the leaders. The movement aimed to appeal to “true Americans” who felt that they were being unfairly affected by rights afforded to others. In the 1920s, membership grew as the White Supremacists hatred also included Catholics, Jews, and immigrants. At the time, its membership was estimated to be over 4 million people nationwide and included half of the elected Indiana Assembly, its mayor as well as Congressmen from Oregon, Texas, Indiana and Maine as well as a Supreme Court Judge. Membership declined during the war, but grew again as the Civil Rights movement became more powerful in the 1950s. At the time, membership was only numbered between 35,000 to 50,000 people, but their level of violence increased.
Membership of the KKK grew and waned over the next 100 years depending largely upon the political atmosphere of the times and the strength of the leaders. The movement aimed to appeal to “true Americans” who felt that they were being unfairly affected by rights afforded to others. In the 1920s, membership grew as the White Supremacists hatred also included Catholics, Jews, and immigrants. At the time, its membership was estimated to be over 4 million people nationwide and included half of the elected Indiana Assembly, its mayor as well as Congressmen from Oregon, Texas, Indiana and Maine as well as a Supreme Court Judge. Membership declined during the war, but grew again as the Civil Rights movement became more powerful in the 1950s. At the time, membership was only numbered between 35,000 to 50,000 people, but their level of violence increased.
The Members - Who Are They?
Membership of the KKK grew and waned over the next 100 years depending largely upon the political atmosphere of the times and the strength of the leaders. The movement aimed to appeal to “true Americans” who felt that they were being unfairly affected by rights afforded to others. In the 1920s, membership grew as the White Supremacists hatred also included Catholics, Jews, and immigrants. At the time, its membership was estimated to be over 4 million people nationwide and included half of the elected Indiana Assembly, its mayor as well as Congressmen from Oregon, Texas, Indiana and Maine as well as a Supreme Court Judge. Membership declined during the war, but grew again as the Civil Rights movement became more powerful in the 1950s. At the time, membership was only numbered between 35,000 to 50,000 people, but their level of violence increased.
Membership of the KKK grew and waned over the next 100 years depending largely upon the political atmosphere of the times and the strength of the leaders. The movement aimed to appeal to “true Americans” who felt that they were being unfairly affected by rights afforded to others. In the 1920s, membership grew as the White Supremacists hatred also included Catholics, Jews, and immigrants. At the time, its membership was estimated to be over 4 million people nationwide and included half of the elected Indiana Assembly, its mayor as well as Congressmen from Oregon, Texas, Indiana and Maine as well as a Supreme Court Judge. Membership declined during the war, but grew again as the Civil Rights movement became more powerful in the 1950s. At the time, membership was only numbered between 35,000 to 50,000 people, but their level of violence increased.
KKK Acts of Terrorism
While the KKK always had a violent past that included lynches and murders, the crimes committed during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s was more overt and better documented. During the civil rights movement, the Klan committed many crimes including the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. The explosion killed four young girls. Other acts of violence included the bombing of many black churches and black homes, lynching and cross burnings. In the summer of 1964, three civil rights activists, Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney were violently killed by members of the KKK for their beliefs of the rights of African Americans by KKK members. The KKK also beat approximately eighty people throughout Freedom Summer. The terrorist acts done by KKK members were violent and extremely horrifying.
While the KKK always had a violent past that included lynches and murders, the crimes committed during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s was more overt and better documented. During the civil rights movement, the Klan committed many crimes including the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. The explosion killed four young girls. Other acts of violence included the bombing of many black churches and black homes, lynching and cross burnings. In the summer of 1964, three civil rights activists, Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney were violently killed by members of the KKK for their beliefs of the rights of African Americans by KKK members. The KKK also beat approximately eighty people throughout Freedom Summer. The terrorist acts done by KKK members were violent and extremely horrifying.
The KKK and The Law
The KKK used the courts in the south and the law to their advantage throughout the civil rights movement. An example of this was when Robert Chambliss was sentenced to six months in jail and a $100 dollar fine for bombing an African American church which caused the death of four young girls attending sunday school. In the 1960’s there was a time when there were two KKK members on the Supreme Court the highest court in the country. The way bias court decisions turned out made major impacts on the Klan’s survival during the civil rights movement.
The KKK used the courts in the south and the law to their advantage throughout the civil rights movement. An example of this was when Robert Chambliss was sentenced to six months in jail and a $100 dollar fine for bombing an African American church which caused the death of four young girls attending sunday school. In the 1960’s there was a time when there were two KKK members on the Supreme Court the highest court in the country. The way bias court decisions turned out made major impacts on the Klan’s survival during the civil rights movement.
White Knights
The White Knights were the most violent and secretive faction of the KKK throughout the Klan’s entire history. The White Knights estimated group membership at the end of 1964 was 6,000. In the deep south a tremendous amount of pressure was put on African-Americans to not vote by the White Knights. An example of this was in the 1950’s when 42% of the population was African American in Mississippi but of that population only 2% were registered to vote. On Memorial day, 1964, White Knights surrounded Mount Zion Church poured gasoline into the church lit the gasoline on fire and started to beat the African Americans in attendance. The White Knights were a violent party of KKK members who were against African Americans gaining rights.
The White Knights were the most violent and secretive faction of the KKK throughout the Klan’s entire history. The White Knights estimated group membership at the end of 1964 was 6,000. In the deep south a tremendous amount of pressure was put on African-Americans to not vote by the White Knights. An example of this was in the 1950’s when 42% of the population was African American in Mississippi but of that population only 2% were registered to vote. On Memorial day, 1964, White Knights surrounded Mount Zion Church poured gasoline into the church lit the gasoline on fire and started to beat the African Americans in attendance. The White Knights were a violent party of KKK members who were against African Americans gaining rights.
Conclusion
The KKK today is still a horrific organization that causes many dilemmas in the current times. This far right organization has meeting and members that try to hurt and disturb African Americans today.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qRajKXZJnlfb9FuFIzxs2KBWoXz5snvjCvOeBL8gfgs/edit?usp=sharing
KKK (E.Z. & S.T.)
The KKK was founded in 1866, almost immediately after the Civil War, because they didn't want equal rights for blacks. They had terrorized the blacks anyway possible. There was a boy in the early 50s, Emmett Till, who whistled at a white woman. A somewhat normal thing nowadays but an unheard of thing to hear coming from a black boy at the time. And he was later kidnapped, tortured, and then killed by two Klansmen. The two men were tried but not convicted because the state didn't seem to care about a black boy.
The KKK formed to keep blacks from benefiting from the abolition of slavery. They weren't that big in 1866, but in four years they expanded into every southern state. They also had some branches in all of the other states as well. But the Klan was later revived in 1920 and 1950. The Klan is still alive today. They have on all occasions attracted media attention during rallies.
The KKK is also well known for their violence in the 50s and 60s. Especially against the black population. They have been known to kill or torture blacks. And in some cases, whites that helped blacks were given the same awful punishment. The KKK has also even blown up houses or businesses owned by blacks.
Their most powerful weapon was their economic power. This means they have power over people because they have more money or more access to money than other people. They have used this money for weapons and even drugs. The KKK is using this money for their own benefit instead of other beneficial things they could do with it. Such as possibly investing to make themselves bigger (hopefully this doesn't happen).
Overall, the KKK is a racist and sadistic group of men that agreed with segregation and the terrorizing of blacks, and even whites who assisted them.
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z7Kql_GHBmz0C3zDucZnsZRw3sD332wkA7tMdilsvb0/edit?usp=sharing
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z7Kql_GHBmz0C3zDucZnsZRw3sD332wkA7tMdilsvb0/edit?usp=sharing