In the collective memory Stokely Carmichael is stigmatised as an angry black nationalist and representative of the movement after his first cry of Black Power during Meredith March a few days after the initiator James Meredith had been shot by a sniper in summer 1966.
One of the latest example of his negative perceptions was the statement of Juan Williams about Michelle Obama as “Stokely Carmichael – only in a ‘designer dress’” at the O’Riley Show on the 29th of January in 2009. The backlash was immense even within the conservative audience. While the majority condemned the accusation of the First Lady in particular and black woman in general being black nationalist and adherence to the politic of victimization, the position of Carmichael was not scrutinised.
In her essay “The Long Civil Right Movement and the Political Uses of the Past” Professor Jacquelyn D. Hall challenges the narrative and defines the non-violent protest of Martin Luther King Jr. as well as the Black Power Movement as phases of the long Civil Right Movement. In this context the essay aims to achieve a sophisticated picture of Carmichael as a central figure of the transition between both phases.
Beginning with the first chapter ‘Life’ the essay will include a brief summary of Carmichael’s life as a whole. Based on this overview the main chapter ‘Political activism’ leads through his development within the Civil Right Movement, following different stages, defined by Donald J. McCormack. The chapter ‘Critics’ will focus on the reception of his activism and ideas at that time and beyond to complete the foundation for the final conclusion.
Frequently asked questions
What is the central figure this essay aims to achieve a sophisticated picture of?
The essay aims to achieve a sophisticated picture of Stokely Carmichael as a central figure of the transition between the non-violent protest phase led by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black Power Movement phases of the long Civil Rights Movement.
What are the main chapters of the essay?
The essay is structured into the following main chapters: 'Life', 'Political activism', and 'Critics'.
What does the 'Life' chapter cover?
The 'Life' chapter includes a brief summary of Stokely Carmichael's life, from his birth in Trinidad to his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and his later embrace of Pan-Africanism.
What does the 'Political activism' chapter focus on?
The 'Political activism' chapter leads through Carmichael's development within the Civil Rights Movement, following different stages defined by Donald J. McCormack: the non-violent phase (1960-summer 1966), the transitional phase after coining "Black Power" (summer 1966-spring 1967), and the Pan-Africanist phase (mid-1967-1969).
What does the 'Critics' chapter explore?
The 'Critics' chapter focuses on the reception of Carmichael's activism and ideas, both during his time and beyond, to provide a complete foundation for the essay's conclusion.
What are some key events in Carmichael's life?
Key events include participating in the Freedom Rides, joining the Freedom Summer initiative, organizing the Lowndes County Freedom Organization (LCFO), becoming chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), coining the term "Black Power," and dedicating his life to Pan-Africanism in Guinea.
What is the LCFO, and what was its significance?
The Lowndes County Freedom Organization (LCFO), also known as the Black Panther Party, was a political organization founded by Carmichael in Lowndes County, Alabama. It aimed to mobilize the black majority to enroll in the voting register and defend their political and economic goals.
What was the impact of Carmichael coining the term "Black Power"?
The term "Black Power" brought Carmichael into the spotlight but also faced tremendous backlash. It sparked debates about the goals and strategies of the Civil Rights Movement, and was seen as a symbol of black self-determination.
What is Pan-Africanism, and how did Carmichael embrace it?
Pan-Africanism is a movement that promotes the unity and solidarity of all people of African descent. Carmichael dedicated his life to the All-African Peoples Revolutionary Party and lectured about Pan-Africanism for over 20 years, seeking to unite Africa against imperialism.
What are some criticisms of Carmichael?
Criticisms include accusations of promoting racial tensions and his association with controversial African leaders. The essay also discusses critiques of his later embrace of Pan-Africanism as being "sketchy" and lacking a well-defined plan.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2015, Stokely Carmichael and the Civil Rights Movement, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/353664