Martin Luther King Jr. day is approaching fast and while many are happy to have a day off, others will be carrying out Dr. King's legacy by protesting, helping, and providing services to minorities throughout the country. It's no secret that Dr. King's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement directly impacted black communities and provided long lasting rights for people of color. Moreover, many other black activists were inspired by his philosophy and fought for equal treatment of black people. So with this mind, here are 9 black who shaped the Civil Rights Movement.
1. James Baldwin
This legendary gay writer, playwright, poet, essayist, and social critic gave a strong voice to the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Baldwin conducted lecture tours in support of the movement and was even covered on Rolling Stone's magazine and hailed as a writer who vibrantly discussed the racial inequalities in the North and South.
2. Nina Simone
The great jazz singer Nina Simone, a friend of James Baldwin was hailed as an activist during the Civil Rights Movement. Her song "Mississippi Goddam" was a response to the 1963 bombing in the Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The bombing involved four KKK members killed four little girls. She continued writing other protests songs and encouraged young black people to voice their rights.
3. Malcolm X
It's obvious this man needs no introduction, Malcolm X a human rights activist who demanded humane treatment of black people and did so by "any means necessary". He encouraged a violent approach against the violent white supremacists and racist police officers that often attacked innocent protesters.
4. Fred Hampton
A man that left a legacy at only the age of 21, Fred Hampton model his protest after Dr. King's non-violent tactics. Hampton was member of the Black Panther Party and was one of the first revolutionaries to help black communities in Chicago. From advocating for better neighborhoods and providing recreational activities for black children in impoverished areas. He sadly was assassinated by the corrupt Chicago Police while he slept in his bed with his fiance and children.
5. Angela Davis
A political activist, scholar, black feminist, and activist, Ms. Angela Davis was instrumental in pushing the Civil Rights Movement forward. From public speaking about racism, prisoner's rights, and sexism, Davis proved to be a heroic female leader in a time of racial tension.
6. Maya Angelou
Her infamous autobiography, "I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings" gave hope to many young black women who experienced rape, racism, trauma, and literacy issues. It is just one of seven fascinating book volumes of Angelou's life that is described in riveting and colorful detail. In 1965 she helped friend, Malcolm X create the Organization of Afro American Unity, which promoted unity and cooperation among black people.
7. Huey P. Newton
The co-founder of the Black Panther Party and a revolutionary, hot-headed Huey Newton was not afraid of fighting for the rights of black people (literally). He started a variety of social programs in Oakland, California such as, Free Breakfast for Children Program. This program provided free breakfast for inner city black children. This popular program reached tons of cities in the U.S. and marked a victory for black people.
8. Kathleen Cleaver
A prominent female member of the Black Panther Party, Cleaver established self-esteem in black women by promoting the movement of natural hair. A communications secretary for the organization, she organized a national campaign to free Huey Newton from imprisonment and did a host of other campaign programs for the Black Panthers.
9. Muhammad Ali
Although he is known as one of the most powerful boxers in American history, people might not know that he was a devout activist. He opposed the Vietnam War and ultimately refused the draft. Even though he was found guilty, he inspired many young black Americans to protest the draft and impacted not only the sport world and black community.
