history essay grade 12 black power movement

• High School
• You don't have any recent items yet.
• You don't have any courses yet.
• You don't have any books yet.
• You don't have any Studylists yet.
• Information

Black power movement essay grade 12

Queensburgh girls' high school - queensburgh.

Recommended for you

Students also viewed.

• Grade 12 Vietnam Essay
• Road to democracy essay
• Heritage day essay introduction pdf
• African Nationalism essay
• ROAD TO Democracy Essay Sample

Related documents

• road to democracy
• Moshoeshoe Essay Note 2
• Roosevelts new deal essays
• Membership Application Form
• Promoter IN Store Timesheet
• Geschiedenis samenvatting WO I

Related Studylists

Preview text.

The Black Power Movement was a political and social movement whose advocates believed in racial pride, self sufficiency and equality for all people of black and African descent. This essay will critically discuss the significant roles played by various leaders during the black power movement in USA. To begin with, the black power movement is the name given to a range of political organisations which aimed to promote black power. The black power movement developed in the early 1960s in both Southern and Northern state. Black Power meant different things to different people, for some it meant freedom, election of black politicians and for others it meant pride in a unique African American culture. People became critical of the civil rights movement and it is for this reason why the various leaders in USA decided to take up the struggle. Furthermore, blacks were dissatisfied with the Civil Rights Movement and its non- violent approach. While the CRM had achieved the Civil Right Act and the voting rights act, the economic situation had not changed. Black people lived in ghettos under crowded conditions, unemployment or low wages, high level of poverty and crime. Little protection from the police instead there was police brutality, discrimination was rife and there was violence and racial abuse. After critically analysing the reason for the emergence of the Black Power Movement it is clear that the situation had to change in USA therefore the leaders had to take up the struggle to bring about change. Moreover, in order to understand the depths of the Black Power Movement we must first understand its philosophy. The Black power movement was a philosophy rather than a political party. Its supporters rejected the term Negros and referred to themselves as black. Black culture, traditions and history was emphasised, solidarity was urged with Africa and they promoted the development of black identity and used the slogan “Black is beautiful”. Pride in being black and black self-esteem was of utter most importance. Many thought that Martin Luther King did not go far enough to protect and promote black interests. Therefore, after a close analysis the various leaders took up the struggle as they believed in self defence against racial oppression and believed in a self -sufficient black economy. As a result, Stockely Carmichael who was a leader that took up the fight against the struggle. He joined the SNCC and was deeply involved in Civil rights movement as a freedom rider and as part of the freedom summer project. Stockley Carmichael made a famous speech where he used the term “Black Power” for the first time. He urged the people to form and

lead their organisations. It is evident that Stockley Carmichael played a significant role as he called on blacks to unite and recognize their heritage. Another leader, Malcolm X, he was a leading figure in the black power movement. He got involved in crime and spent 10 years in prison where he learnt about Black Muslim Movement. He became a leading member of the nation of Islam, a black Muslim group. He was a fiery speaker and had a huge following among the urban blacks, he insisted that violence was necessary to confront racism and self defence against likes of KU KLUX KLAN. Malcolm X believed in black separation from whites and supported black self-reliance. After analysing the role of Malcolm X, he took a different approach a move active one. He urged the Afro Americans to work together with sympathetic whites to end racism. Furthermore, black panthers were a militant group within the black power movement. The black panther had many significance, example the colour is black, skills of a fighting cat, was beautiful, would motivate people and symbolizes the strength and dignity of black people and much more. The black panther party (BPP for self- defence) they were founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. They wanted an end to white capitalist control and end police brutality towards African Americans. Violence was used to achieve what they wanted. The panthers carried loaded firearms in public. Their demands and aspirations were reduced into a ten point programme. They formed a political party of about 500 members that called for blacks to be exempted from the draft to fight in the Vietnam War. Evidently, it is clear that black panther party that founded by the leaders Heuy Newton and Bobby Seale played a great role in the black power movement as they encouraged people and believed that blacks should arm themselves to force whites to accept equality. As a result, there were many long and short- term gains achieved. The short -term gains included racial pride and self- confidence among black people, development of a black political agenda , mobilisation of black voters to support black candidates for office, introduction of black study programmes at university and colleges and there was a rise of black power. The long-term gains included, increased black self-confidence and self-esteem, great solidarity among African Americans, a greater sense ethnic identity, other social justice groups sprang example affirmative action, gay and lesbian group etc, and lastly there was growth of multiculturalism and greater tolerance of cultural differences. Therefore, after a

• Multiple Choice

Subject : History

This is a preview.

Access to all documents

Get Unlimited Downloads

Improve your grades

Get 30 days of free Premium

Share your documents to unlock

Why is this page out of focus?

• South Africa
• Grade 12 Free Learning Resources
• History Grade 12 Notes and Past Exam Papers for Revision

Civil Rights Movement 1950 to 1970 essay: Black Power Movement History Grade 12

Civil Rights Movement 1950 to 1970 essay: Black Power Movement History Grade 12 memo and answer guide.

CIVIL SOCIETY PROTESTS FROM THE 1950s TO THE 1970s: BLACK POWER MOVEMENT

Explain to what extent did Black Power Movement influence the actions of African Americans in the 1960s. Use relevant examples to support your line of argument.

[Plan and construct an original argument based on relevant evidence using analytical and interpretative skills.]

Candidates should indicate to what extent the Black Power Movement influenced the actions of African Americans in the 1960s. Candidates should use relevant examples to support their line of argument.

MAIN ASPECTS

Candidates should include the following aspects in their response:

Introduction: Candidates should indicate to what extent the Black Power Movement influenced the actions of African Americans in the 1960s.

ELABORATION

Origins of the Movement:

• The Black Power Movement came out of dissatisfaction with the Civil Rights Movements.
• The Civil Rights Movement had focused on black and white Americans working together but inequalities remained. African Americans still faced poverty and racial discrimination.
• Some African American were disappointed with the Civil Rights Movement and believed that King was too moderate
• They wanted change in the USA to happen faster and they were prepared to use violence to do this.
• Black Power Movement promoted black pride, unity and self- reliance
• Black nationalists believed that the use of force was justified in order to gain social, political and economic power for Black Americans

Role of Malcolm X:

• Malcolm X, leading figure in the Black Power Movement, powerful speaker and dedicated human rights activist
• In 1952 he became a leading member of the nation of Islam, a black Muslim group which believed that white society was holding African Americans back and they desired separation of races
• Eloquence and charisma attracted many new members to this organisation membership grew from 500 in 1952 to 30 000 in 1963
• Promoted the use of violence to achieve the aims of Black Power
• Challenged the peaceful approach of Martin Luther King Jnr
• After a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1963-1964, Malcolm X changed his ideas about integration as he had seen how Muslims of all nationalities and races could live together peacefully
• Founded the Organisation of Afro-American unity in 1964. He became less militant and adopted views that were not popular with black nationalists

The Black Panther

• Huey Newton and Bobby Searle formed the Black Panther Party (BPP) for Self Defence in 1966
• They aimed to protect African American neighbourhoods from police brutality and racism
• The Black Panthers promoted African Americans carrying guns to defend themselves
• The idea of Black Power scared many white Americans
• The BPP started programmes to help ease poverty in Black communities such as Free Breakfast for Children, feeding thousands of poor and hungry black children everyday
• Clinics where adults and children could get free medical care
• A tutoring scheme to help black children succeed at school
• The BPP drew up a ten-point programme that included the following demands:
• Full employment and an end to capitalism that preyed on the African American community
• Descent housing and education for African Americans
• An end to police brutality
• The Black panthers were very popular in the 1960s as they were involved in defending the rights of both workers and ethnic minorities like the African American communities in the ghettoes

The role of Stokely Carmichael

• Stokely Carmichael joined the Civil Rights Movement when he saw the bravery of those involved in a sit-in
• Became a member of SNCC and a Freedom Rider
• His commitment to Martin Luther King’s passive resistance ideals changed in 1966 after James Meredith, a civil rights activist engaged in a peaceful protest march, was shot
• Carmichael and other activists continued on the march to honour Meredith and during the march he was arrested
• When he was released from jail, Carmichael made a famous speech using the term ‘Black Power’ for the first time and he urged African Americans to take pride in being black
• He was in favour of African dress and Afro hairstyles
• He wanted African Americans to recognise their heritage and build a sense of community
• He also adopted the slogan ‘Black is beautiful’ which promoted pride in being black
• Carmichael started to criticise other leaders, like King, and how they wanted to work with whites
• He later left the SNCC and joined the BPP where he promoted the Black Power Movement as a leader, speaker and writer
• He later wrote a book linking Black Power to Pan-Africanism
• Any other relevant answer Conclusion: Candidates should tie up their argument with relevant conclusion

Independent Africa comparative case study: the Congo and Tanzania Essay

History grade 12 2021 june past papers and memos for download, related posts, find history grade 12 september 2023 trial exam question papers and memos: pdf download.

History Grade 12 November 2021 Final NSC Exams question papers and memorandums

History Grade 12 May – June Mid Year Exams 2021 previous Papers for downloads

List of History Grade 12 September 2020 Past Papers and Memos

Questions and answers based on bantu education act for revision, leave your thought here cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Latest Posts

Hospitality Studies Grade 12 June Question Papers and Memos pdf Download

Visual arts grade 12 june 2023 question papers and memos pdf download, dramatic arts grade 12 june 2023 question papers and memos pdf download, setswana home language grade 12 june 2023 question papers and memos pdf download, tourism studies grade 12 june 2023 question papers and memos pdf download, electrical technology grade 12 june 2023 question papers and memos pdf download, engineering graphics and designs grade 12 june 2023 question papers and memos pdf download, english home language grade 12 june 2023 question papers and memos pdf download, civil technology grade 12 june 2023 question papers and memos pdf download, siswati home language grade 12 june 2023 question papers and memos pdf download.

More Learning Resources @ My Courses

• Availability
• Add to cart
• Description
• Additional information
• Custom attributes
• Custom fields

• Grade 12 Learning Resources Study Notes and Previous Papers
• Grade 11 Learning Resources
• Grade 10 Learning Resources
• IGCSE Syllabus
• Latest Updates

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

Civil Rights Movement 1950 to 1970 essay: Black Power Movement History Grade 12

Civil Rights Movement 1950 to 1970 essay: Black Power Movement History Grade 12 memo and answer guide.

CIVIL SOCIETY PROTESTS FROM THE 1950s TO THE 1970s: BLACK POWER MOVEMENT

Explain to what extent did Black Power Movement influence the actions of African Americans in the 1960s. Use relevant examples to support your line of argument.

[Plan and construct an original argument based on relevant evidence using analytical and interpretative skills.]

Candidates should indicate to what extent the Black Power Movement influenced the actions of African Americans in the 1960s. Candidates should use relevant examples to support their line of argument.

MAIN ASPECTS

Candidates should include the following aspects in their response:

Introduction: Candidates should indicate to what extent the Black Power Movement influenced the actions of African Americans in the 1960s.

ELABORATION

Origins of the Movement:

• The Black Power Movement came out of dissatisfaction with the Civil Rights Movements.
• The Civil Rights Movement had focused on black and white Americans working together but inequalities remained. African Americans still faced poverty and racial discrimination.
• Some African American were disappointed with the Civil Rights Movement and believed that King was too moderate
• They wanted change in the USA to happen faster and they were prepared to use violence to do this.
• Black Power Movement promoted black pride, unity and self- reliance
• Black nationalists believed that the use of force was justified in order to gain social, political and economic power for Black Americans

Role of Malcolm X:

• Malcolm X, leading figure in the Black Power Movement, powerful speaker and dedicated human rights activist
• In 1952 he became a leading member of the nation of Islam, a black Muslim group which believed that white society was holding African Americans back and they desired separation of races
• Eloquence and charisma attracted many new members to this organisation membership grew from 500 in 1952 to 30 000 in 1963
• Promoted the use of violence to achieve the aims of Black Power
• Challenged the peaceful approach of Martin Luther King Jnr
• After a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1963-1964, Malcolm X changed his ideas about integration as he had seen how Muslims of all nationalities and races could live together peacefully
• Founded the Organisation of Afro-American unity in 1964. He became less militant and adopted views that were not popular with black nationalists

The Black Panther

• Huey Newton and Bobby Searle formed the Black Panther Party (BPP) for Self Defence in 1966
• They aimed to protect African American neighbourhoods from police brutality and racism
• The Black Panthers promoted African Americans carrying guns to defend themselves
• The idea of Black Power scared many white Americans
• The BPP started programmes to help ease poverty in Black communities such as Free Breakfast for Children, feeding thousands of poor and hungry black children everyday
• Clinics where adults and children could get free medical care
• A tutoring scheme to help black children succeed at school
• The BPP drew up a ten-point programme that included the following demands:
• Full employment and an end to capitalism that preyed on the African American community
• Descent housing and education for African Americans
• An end to police brutality
• The Black panthers were very popular in the 1960s as they were involved in defending the rights of both workers and ethnic minorities like the African American communities in the ghettoes

The role of Stokely Carmichael

• Stokely Carmichael joined the Civil Rights Movement when he saw the bravery of those involved in a sit-in
• Became a member of SNCC and a Freedom Rider
• His commitment to Martin Luther King’s passive resistance ideals changed in 1966 after James Meredith, a civil rights activist engaged in a peaceful protest march, was shot
• Carmichael and other activists continued on the march to honour Meredith and during the march he was arrested
• When he was released from jail, Carmichael made a famous speech using the term ‘Black Power’ for the first time and he urged African Americans to take pride in being black
• He was in favour of African dress and Afro hairstyles
• He wanted African Americans to recognise their heritage and build a sense of community
• He also adopted the slogan ‘Black is beautiful’ which promoted pride in being black
• Carmichael started to criticise other leaders, like King, and how they wanted to work with whites
• He later left the SNCC and joined the BPP where he promoted the Black Power Movement as a leader, speaker and writer
• He later wrote a book linking Black Power to Pan-Africanism
• Any other relevant answer Conclusion: Candidates should tie up their argument with relevant conclusion

Looking for something specific?

Leave a comment.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You May Also Like

2018 History Grade 12 November question papers and memos download

History Grade 12 November 2022 Past Exam Papers and Memos

Grade 12 History Cold War: Angola Notes Collection, with Source-based Questions

History Grade 12 September 2023 Question Paper and Memo PDF

• International
• Education Jobs
• Schools directory
• Resources Education Jobs Schools directory News Search

Grade 12 History Essay: Black Power Movement USA

Subject: History

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

13 February 2024

• Share through email
• Share through twitter
• Share through linkedin
• Share through facebook
• Share through pinterest

The Black Power Movement Essay explores the historical and social significance of the Black Power Movement that emerged in the 1960s. This essay examines the key ideologies, leaders, and activities that shaped the movement and analyzes its impact on the African American community and the broader civil rights movement.

The essay begins by providing a brief overview of the historical context in which the Black Power Movement emerged, including the Civil Rights Movement and the socio-political climate of the time. It then delves into the core principles of the movement, such as self-determination, racial pride, and the rejection of nonviolence as the sole strategy for achieving racial equality.

The essay explores the influential figures within the Black Power Movement, including Stokely Carmichael, Angela Davis, and Huey P. Newton. It discusses their roles as leaders and their contributions to the movement’s ideology and activism. Additionally, the essay highlights significant events and organizations associated with the movement, such as the Black Panther Party and the National Black Power Conferences.

Furthermore, the essay examines the impact of the Black Power Movement on the African American community and the broader civil rights movement. It analyzes how the movement challenged traditional civil rights strategies and redefined notions of Black identity and empowerment. The essay also discusses the movement’s influence on subsequent activist movements and its lasting legacy in contemporary social and political discourse.

Overall, the Black Power Movement Essay provides a comprehensive analysis of this significant chapter in American history, shedding light on its ideologies, leaders, impact, and lasting relevance in the fight for racial justice and equality.

Tes paid licence How can I reuse this?

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

This resource hasn't been reviewed yet

To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource:

South African Worker and Student Portal

The Black Power Movement and Education in South Africa

• Mar 14, 2024

The Origins of the Black Power Movement

The Black Power Movement emerged in the late 1960s as a response to the persistent racial discrimination and oppression faced by African Americans in the United States. Inspired by the teachings of leaders like Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael, the movement advocated for Black empowerment, self-determination, and a rejection of the non-violent approach championed by earlier civil rights organizations.

At its core, the Black Power Movement sought to instill a sense of pride, dignity, and self-worth in the Black community. It emphasized the importance of economic and political independence, as well as the preservation of African culture and heritage. The slogan “Black is Beautiful” became a rallying cry, challenging the dominant Eurocentric standards of beauty and encouraging Black individuals to embrace their natural features and cultural identity.

The Impact of the Black Power Movement on Education

The Black Power Movement had a profound impact on the educational landscape, both in the United States and beyond. In South Africa, where the apartheid regime enforced a system of institutionalized racial segregation and oppression, the movement’s ideals resonated strongly with those fighting against the unjust policies of the government.

The Bantu Education System

Under apartheid, Black South Africans were subjected to the Bantu Education system, a deliberate attempt by the white minority government to limit the educational opportunities available to the Black majority. The system was designed to provide only the bare minimum of education necessary for Black individuals to serve as laborers and workers in the lower echelons of society.

The Bantu Education Act of 1953 formalized this system, effectively segregating schools based on race and ensuring that Black students received an inferior education compared to their white counterparts. The curriculum was tailored to reinforce the notion of white supremacy and discourage critical thinking or aspirations for social mobility among Black students.

The Soweto Uprising and the Struggle for Equal Education

In 1976, the Black Power Movement’s influence became evident in South Africa when students in Soweto , a township outside Johannesburg, took to the streets to protest the imposition of Afrikaans as the primary language of instruction in their schools. The Soweto Uprising, also known as the Soweto Riots, marked a turning point in the struggle against apartheid and the fight for equal educational opportunities.

The students, inspired by the ideals of Black consciousness and self-determination, refused to be subjugated by a language that symbolized the oppressive system they were fighting against. Their protests were met with brutal force from the apartheid regime, resulting in numerous casualties and igniting a nationwide uprising against the government’s policies.

The Soweto Uprising galvanized the international community and brought increased attention to the injustices of apartheid. It also highlighted the pivotal role that education played in the struggle for liberation, as access to quality education was seen as a fundamental human right and a means to empower the Black community.

The Impact on South African Education Post-Apartheid

The fall of apartheid in 1994 ushered in a new era of democratic governance and the promise of equal educational opportunities for all South Africans. However, the legacy of the Bantu Education system and the deep-rooted inequalities it perpetuated have proven difficult to overcome.

Efforts to Desegregate and Equalize Education

In the post-apartheid era, the South African government has implemented various initiatives aimed at desegregating schools and improving the quality of education for previously disadvantaged communities. These efforts have included increasing funding for historically underfunded schools, providing teacher training programs, and introducing curricula that promote diversity and inclusivity.

However, the process of desegregation and equalization has been complex and fraught with challenges. Many historically white schools have resisted integration, while some historically Black schools have struggled to attract diverse student populations due to lingering perceptions of inferiority.

Ongoing Challenges and the Need for Transformation

Despite the progress made, South Africa’s educational system continues to grapple with significant disparities in resources, infrastructure, and educational outcomes. Schools in rural areas and townships often lack basic facilities, qualified teachers, and adequate learning materials, perpetuating the cycle of disadvantage for marginalized communities.

Furthermore, the legacy of apartheid education has left many Black students struggling to overcome the psychological and cultural barriers that were ingrained through years of oppression and marginalization. The need for a comprehensive transformation of the educational system, one that addresses both the structural and socio-cultural aspects of inequality, remains a pressing challenge.

The Enduring Legacy of the Black Power Movement

The Black Power Movement’s impact on education in South Africa, and its broader influence on the struggle for liberation, cannot be overstated. The movement’s emphasis on self-determination, cultural pride, and the rejection of oppressive systems resonated deeply with those fighting against the injustices of apartheid.

Today, the movement’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists and educators who are committed to dismantling systemic racism and promoting equitable access to quality education for all. The struggle for equal educational opportunities in South Africa is an ongoing battle, but one that has been profoundly shaped by the ideals and spirit of the Black Power Movement.

As South Africa continues to grapple with the complex task of transforming its educational system, the lessons and principles of the Black Power Movement remain relevant, serving as a reminder of the power of collective action, self-determination, and the unwavering pursuit of justice and equality.

Geography Grade 10 Questions And Answers PDF Term 1

Dynamic dna learnership 2024 application and programmes, eskom learnerships: powering the future through skills development.

• Sep 28, 2024

Planning and Presenting Individual Lessons for Your Portfolio

• Jun 26, 2024

How Many Co-Teaching Lessons Do You Need to Plan and Present with Your Mentor Teacher for Your Portfolio?

• Jun 25, 2024