Civil Rights: Blacks Define Themselves

To shape a life style of their own, African Americans, as a culture began to define what it truly means to be black. Offended by the white culture, African Americans wanted nothing to do with the Caucasian life style. A fashion that arouse in the African American culture was the Afro. Having a greater significance than just a hair due, the afro symbolized power, specifically “Black Power”. Blacks began to find pride in their heritage and their background. African Americans who had “Black Power” were proud of who they were and fully embraced their black culture. Many African Americans were giving themselves a voice. In 1966 Muhammad Ali, a famous boxer, was drafted for the Vietnam War. Ali chose not to serve in the army. For this he was unable to box and his title was taken from him. But despite his loses Ali remained a supporter of antiwar. Activist of the time sought for change and to involve diversity in education as well as politics. Yearning for a broader spectrum of studies students of Howard University, “demanded courses in black studies and culture.” In 1972 in Indiana the National Black Political Convention consisting of 8,000 people strived to recognize growing concerns in America such as unemployment, poverty, and other national issues. The African American involvements made an apparent difference as the elected black officials in the next ten years were doubled.

Blacks Define Themselves. 1 June 2009 .Blacks Define Themselves. 1 June 2009 http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/eyesontheprize/story/ 19_nbpc.html.