Last Week, Pbs Broadcast “Birth Of A Movement,” A Film

In the earlier years of post-slavery's many uncharted territories, differences in opinions were prevalent. Such was clearly evident when referring to Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois' views of what freedom really enfold. The Atlanta Exposition speech given by Mr. Washington gives us insight into how the writer felt about challenging events of that time and how they should be handled. Although met with considerable amounts of praise, some coming from the head of state himself (then president Grover Cleveland), and Mr. Washington's address was, in one word, flawed to some. W. E. B. Du Bois was a part of that some and had no problem voicing his opinion in Of Mr. booker T. Washington and Others. The inconsistencies in viewpoint between

On August 28, 1963, John Lewis delivered his memorable speech on Washington to a 200,000 crowd of activist demanding peace and equality. Lewis’ purpose is to inspire others to join their march and make a mark on history. He adopts a demanding and bold tone in order to persuade the black activists and politicians to change the social norms and to join the social revolution. By demonstrating his demanding claims for equal rights to the politicians, whites, and African - Americans, John Lewis effectively utilizes syntax and diction to adequately get his message of hope, equality and desegregation.

The Birth of a Nation, arguably one of the most ambiguous names in the history of cinema, is only about to get more complex and chaotic. The Birth of a Nation was originally the title of D.W. Griffith’s 1915 racist propaganda film about the rise of the Ku Klux Klan who “saved” the South from being dictated by blacks during the Reconstruction era when the North tried to rebuild the South after the Civil War. Now, that title poises a new movie written, directed, produced, and starring actor Nate Parker that dramatizes the 1831 slave rebellion led by enslaved African-American Nat Turner.

On September 18, 1895, Booker T Washington stood in front of an audience of Citizens and the Board of Directors, as well as the President, and delivered “The Atlantic Exposition Speech.” This speech asked the White population to give Negros a chance in the developing world. It asked for Negros to be hired instead of the immigrants that were entering the country; it asked for an opportunity allow Negros to be educated in an effort to improve the community as well as the nation. Washington’s speech was about progress forward. Progression is paramount for the future of civilization, our culture, and social change. Progression is the goal for movement and for a better tomorrow. His speech was meant to be the spark that ignited this progression for social change, a change for the future of the people and the nation. The usage of metaphors in Washington’s speech was a means to strengthen his push to help the progression Negros so that they can be better integrated and advance in the country. Though his speech was written for a valid cause for the people, Washington’s reasoning utilized in the speech was not valid.

Brian and Gloria are students at Roger Williams University who share different views on a touchy subject. Brian, a freshman, reached out to Gloria, a senior and chair of CEN, wishing to invite Milo Yiannopoulos to speak at our campus. After doing research on Yiannopoulos, Gloria believes he is “racist and sexist” and goes against everything Roger Williams University stands for. Gloria feels Yiannopoulos would offend many students on campus, possibly leading to violence. She thinks Roger Williams would not allow Yiannopoulos to speak at our campus, so we shouldn’t allow him to either. However, Brian believes Roger Williams University is an “inclusive” campus and we welcome and value all expressions of diversity and identity. Brian says Roger Williams was probably the first American to “challenge societal norms”, and we should follow in his footsteps. Brian feels Gloria is being narrow-minded and he is being denied his right to free speech and peaceful assembly.

Two of the most influential people in shaping the social and political agenda of African Americans were Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Dubois, both early twentieth century writers. While many of their goals were the same, the two men approached the problems facing African Americans in very different ways. This page is designed to show how these two distinct thinkers and writers shaped one movement, as well as political debate for years afterward.

The history of African Americans in early Hollywood films originated with blacks representing preconceived stereotypes. D.W. Griffith’s 1915 film, Birth of a Nation, stirred many controversial issues within the black community. The fact that Griffith used white actors in blackface to portray black people showed how little he knew about African Americans. Bosley Crowther’s article “The Birth of Birth of a Nation” emphasizes that the film was a “highly pro-South drama of the American Civil War and the Period of Reconstruction, and it glorified the role of the Ku Klux Klan” (76). While viewing this film, one would assert that the Ku Klux Klan members are heroic forces that rescue white women from sexually abusive black men. Griffith

In the description of Raoul Peck's excellent fact-filled story about an event "I Am Not Your Negro", Dick Cavett asks James Baldwin, "Why aren't black people more positive-thinking?" Black people have made great long steps. They're on films--they are even, he notes, on television commercials. Yes, there are still problems, he admits to, but should not these moments of progress be celebrated? The rest of the film is an extended, painful, carefully unstoppable analysis of why no celebration was, or is, soon going to happen.

Both W.E.B Du Bois and Booker T. Washington were prominent figures in the advancement of African Americans during the 19th and 20th centuries. The facade of unity among these leaders was broken when Du Bois addressed Washington’s book, Up From Slavery, in a chapter named “Of Booker T. Washington and Others” from his novel, The Souls of Black Folk. Although he did acknowledge the accomplishments of Washington, Du Bois was clearly opposed to most of his ideas. Through the topics of submission and education, Du Bois exposes the paradoxical nature of Washington’s plan and presents a stronger argument than the passive Washington.

Being an African-American in the United States of America in the 1950’s and 1960’s, was comparable with being of the Jewish faith in Germany during the 1930’s and 1940’s: it was discriminatory. America may have been the ‘land of the free’ and slavery had been abolished – but what did this mean, when persecution and racism were prevalent and commonplace in society? African-Americans were discriminated against, segregated, beaten and murdered, whilst the government, especially state governments, ignored this and complacency grew prevalent. By the middle of the twentieth century, African-American’s had begun to assert themselves, and in the period 1955 – 1968,a new form of protesting emerged which generated new achievements. This method was a

These events include but are not limited to The Vietnam War, JFK’s assassination, and the liberation of women and women’s suffrage. However, there has been one exception, the civil rights movement. The civil rights movement was the most effective political and social force of the 20th century and which is still making headlines in today’s news. Humans as we know, tend to allow external factors affect their self-identity by attempting to conform to societies’ norms. However, for one to find their true self-identity they must develop their own rational ideas and create themselves based on the desire of freedom from external factors. Famous civil rights activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., became famous from his outward appeal against racial segregation during the mid 1900’s. If Dr. King did not step forward and represent the minority community, civil rights could possibly be the opposite of what they are now. In Lee Daniel’s “The Butler” Cecil Gaines, who portrays the story of Eugene Allen, witnesses his father stand up for himself and his family. Cecil was raised by sharecropping parents and the cotton plantation owner, Thomas Westfall, who was confronted by Cecil’s father, raped his mother. Cecil witnessed his father being kill a white plantation owner all because his father stood up for what he believed in. Succeeded

Two amazing African-American leaders that succeed in raising the awareness of the idea of racism that happened during the late 19th century, were; Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Dubois who both delivered a powerful speech; “Atlanta Exposition Speech” that was delivered on 1895 and “The Souls of Black Folk” that was delivered on September 1903. Both speeches have deeply affected people. Throughout their speeches, they heavily addressed race relations and social contract during their time and it can clearly be seen that both tried to fight for free equality but with different approaches.

From analyzing the importance of the Montgomery Bus Boycott to conceptualizing the racial politics of the 19th century, Kirt Wilson presents a refreshing take on African American activism. Wilson evaluates the foundational components of racialized politics in order to describe the ways that prudence, imitation, and social structures contribute to the tense racialized climate of the 19th century. The Racialized Politics of Imitation in the 19th Century analyzed how imitation created the progression for the African American communities while the The Contested Space of Prudence in the 1874-1875 Civil Rights Debate presented the congressional racial civil discourse that existed during the Reconstruction era.

Researching this project concerning two of the most important persons of the 20th century has given me a greater insight to the struggles of African Americans in the United States and immense gratitude to the ancestors who paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy and take for granted today. Learning about the encumbrances that beset African Americans in the past illuminates some of the current struggles that confront our people today. Tactics used by the government against both Paul Robeson and Jack Johnson were templates used against future Blacks who did not conform to the inherent racist culture and were protagonists who railed against injustice. Laws governing all inhabitants within the confines of this country were affected by both of

This documentary detailed the life and accomplishments of Bayard Rustin. He was born in Westchester, Pennsylvania in 1912. He grew up in a Quaker household and never knew his father, but his mom always encouraged him to oppose injustices nonviolently. Rustin seemed to take this advice to heart, based on movements that he organized later on in life. He was present for many major advancements of black people, but often times seemed to be in the background. I quickly learned that Rustin did not always receive credit that he deserved for his involvement because he was gay.