The black consciousness movement was revolutionary; encompassing all black institutions, including the black church. From the moment the African forged his path on the foreign soil of America; he was subjected to dehumanizing tactics; calculated measures to keep them in not only physical but also mental bondage. The collective conscious was based on the perception existing solely on the conceived ideals and societal relationship determined by white America. The once familiar reality was now a distorted vision; filled with heartache and despair. Despair in knowing you suffer simply because of your hue; imprisoned because you have been deemed inferior. This change in consciousness had a “revolution” undertone. Revolution is associated with
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Nothing was more powerful than conceiving; if only briefly, that the creator and sustainer of all was Black. “Why do you reject the Black God when the Black God is your God;” was the question so often presented by Elijah Muhammad. He went through great lengths to demonstrate and validate his theology and belief in asserting God was Black and the white race was inherently the “devil.” Elijah Muhammad was unable to make a clear distinction from the “white nationalism” propagated by white Christian ministers; such as Billy Graham; and “black nationalism.” He, just as Malcolm X, believed when you have Jesus White, Mary White, Angels, white, that was white nationalism. Nationalism, as defined by the Nation of Islam was the glorification of self; rejoicing in one’s own existence. Many, such as James Baldwin would disagree. Baldwin believed “the glorification of one race and the consequent debasement of another-has always been a recipe for murder.” This is undoubtedly an undeniable truth; yet something can be gained in seeing the strength and gratification of a history that uplifts instead of putting down. Glorification of self should never be obtained at the expense of others; yet it can be obtained while celebrating one’s own historical societal contributions. “The Black people of America, who have been swallowed symbolically by the white slave-master and his children” must gain knowledge and taught their history. Where can this adequately take place, except for in a separate
Nothing was more powerful than conceiving; if only briefly, that the creator and sustainer of all was Black. “Why do you reject the Black God when the Black God is your God;” was the question so often presented by Elijah Muhammad. He went through great lengths to demonstrate and validate his theology and belief in asserting God was Black and the white race was inherently the “devil.” Elijah Muhammad was unable to make a clear distinction from the “white nationalism” propagated by white Christian ministers; such as Billy Graham; and “black nationalism.” He, just as Malcolm X, believed when you have Jesus White, Mary White, Angels, white, that was white nationalism. Nationalism, as defined by the Nation of Islam was the glorification of self; rejoicing in one’s own existence. Many, such as James Baldwin would disagree. Baldwin believed “the glorification of one race and the consequent debasement of another-has always been a recipe for murder.” This is undoubtedly an undeniable truth; yet something can be gained in seeing the strength and gratification of a history that uplifts instead of putting down. Glorification of self should never be obtained at the expense of others; yet it can be obtained while celebrating one’s own historical societal contributions. “The Black people of America, who have been swallowed symbolically by the white slave-master and his children” must gain knowledge and taught their history. Where can this adequately take place, except for in a separate