From slavery to freedom, edition 9, chapter 21 pp 549 - 582

SUMMARY: PROFFESOR In the book slavery to freedom it all s how the blacks struggle to gain their freedom from a lifeof bondage discrimination from the White Americans. This made them to form a movement in the late 1960 and early 1970 which was known as ‘ the black power movement,’’ this led to a great symphony of struggle for racial justice and equality in America.
In mid 1960 black power started showing up and several black theoreticians and some of its advocates were committed participants in direct nonviolent action. Furthermore some were leaders in NAACP, CORE, and SNCC when there racial integration was questioned by Malcolm X of the Nation of Islam (NOI). However the passionate advocacy of race, pride and black self determination of Malcolm contributed to the mind set the black power may be a solution to the America racial dilemma.
Between 1966 and 1975 the black power dominated the public face of
Africa America freedom struggle even though it was not a unified movement. During this time Philip Randolph’s match on Washington movement was the key determiner of the nonviolent direct action that left all black requirements understated.
As the number of Africa Americans increased they moved to urban areas like Chicago, Detroit and New York. There they faced inadequate housing and unemployment hence leading some of them to join personal groups for empowerment in racial separation advocated by the nation of Islam. The group empowerment programmes offered uplifting and security to those who were not employed and disaffected blacks who felt they had no attachment or confidence in the white Americans.
The black population increased from nearly 4 million to 11 million between 1940 and 1970and by this time twelve areas in America held 28 percent of all black people living in the United States. This was as a result of changing black politics simplified by the flow of multiple black power groups, leaders and ideologies.
In 1966 there were 97 black members of state legislatures and six members of the congress of the United States but no black mayor in any American city. However due to the voting right act of 1965 black mayors were elected in scores of small southern towns by 1973.
The new black political power was also manifested in demand for greater voice for party affairs when it was noted that 20 percent of the democratic vote in 1968 came from blacks, hence the blacks demanded that they be given a greater recognition and as a result the number of black delegates were increased in 1972 democratic national convention where Yvonne Brathwait Burke was elected as a convention co-chair.
The black community showed a sign of great improvement in terms of change as anti-discrimination legislation and affirmative action programmed began to correct racial imbalances and so many blacks took pride in their progress. The proportion of the blacks employed in profession and technical positions increased rapidly. Yet for all the progress the unfolding of 1960s and 1970s was accompanied by rising levels of black joblessness and poverty creating to young blacks an obstacle to overcome.
In conclusion chapter 21 of this book shows the progress of blacks in America since the time they were taken as slaves and only seen as laborers to the time they began to realize there rights and potentials they were carrying. The chapter also outlines the key people among the blacks and also white Americans who made it possible for the freedom of the blacks. Lastly it outlines the strategies and actions taken within different period to attain the freedom and to ensure that every black enjoys their rights.
Bibliography
Higgibotham, John Hope Frankline & Everlyne Brooks. From Slavery TO Freedom A history Of Africa America. Harvard University, 1915-2009.