From textbooks and documentaries to music and television we have always recognized the black freedom struggle as a historical event in American history. However, this tale is more than just “American.” African American history is part of a global story. The black freedom struggle was part of a global fight for liberation. Minorities united against oppression. However, as the struggle progressed activists shifted focus toward national goals. Activists critiqued African nations they once idolized. Leaders like Shirley Graham Du Bois and Kwame Ture, questioned their own beliefs and the success of the struggle. There was a transition from political connection to social division. As a result, localized movements like the Black Power movement took
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However, there was an evident social disconnect between Africa and African descendants. Mahon discusses the impact of Eslanda Robeson’s “African Journey.” Eslanda Robeson, an anthropologist, travelled to Africa to learn more about African culture and people as well as her heritage. Robeson was determined to dispel the notion that Africans were savages and had to be “cultured.” Through anecdotes and photographs, Robeson “humanized” African people. She noted Africans were like everyone else, living like everyone else. Robeson realized that there is a lot to learn from Africa. She argued that Africans were far more efficient and not as superficial as Europeans. Furthermore, Robeson was confident that Africans can do well on their own and don’t need to be cultured. After her travels, Robeson became an advocate for …show more content…
The Congress focused on the struggles of black people and minorities in the US and Canada as well as the ignorance of white Americans/Canadians. Kwame Ture said that revolutionary violence was necessary to take back land from the US. Ture rationalized violence by arguing that black people were part of a separate nation to that of the US. The Congress effectively changed the discussion of race and race relations in Canada. However, the Congress failed to spark a major response outside the room. The public rarely had a platform to voice their own opinions. Instead of hosting a congress, people took to the streets. The Sir George Williams Affair was a response to case of discrimination within the university. However, the university did not address it and law enforcement went on the offensive against the protestors. Observed as a crime against humanity, Caribbean and Black Power activists believed that action was more powerful than discussion. The Sir George Williams Affair and scenes of mass demonstrations charged a new philosophy. This sense of urgency for “real” change empowered organizations like the Black Panther Party and the FLQ, validating Ture’s message of revolutionary
However, there was an evident social disconnect between Africa and African descendants. Mahon discusses the impact of Eslanda Robeson’s “African Journey.” Eslanda Robeson, an anthropologist, travelled to Africa to learn more about African culture and people as well as her heritage. Robeson was determined to dispel the notion that Africans were savages and had to be “cultured.” Through anecdotes and photographs, Robeson “humanized” African people. She noted Africans were like everyone else, living like everyone else. Robeson realized that there is a lot to learn from Africa. She argued that Africans were far more efficient and not as superficial as Europeans. Furthermore, Robeson was confident that Africans can do well on their own and don’t need to be cultured. After her travels, Robeson became an advocate for …show more content…
The Congress focused on the struggles of black people and minorities in the US and Canada as well as the ignorance of white Americans/Canadians. Kwame Ture said that revolutionary violence was necessary to take back land from the US. Ture rationalized violence by arguing that black people were part of a separate nation to that of the US. The Congress effectively changed the discussion of race and race relations in Canada. However, the Congress failed to spark a major response outside the room. The public rarely had a platform to voice their own opinions. Instead of hosting a congress, people took to the streets. The Sir George Williams Affair was a response to case of discrimination within the university. However, the university did not address it and law enforcement went on the offensive against the protestors. Observed as a crime against humanity, Caribbean and Black Power activists believed that action was more powerful than discussion. The Sir George Williams Affair and scenes of mass demonstrations charged a new philosophy. This sense of urgency for “real” change empowered organizations like the Black Panther Party and the FLQ, validating Ture’s message of revolutionary