Historically, the African American culture has been reliant on religion for strength. Eighteenth and Nineteenth century slaves sang hymns in order to make their work more bearable, and also to have a deeper connection with God. Throughout the entirety of his novel Darkwater: Voices From Within the Veil, W.E.B. DuBois explores this notion of religion as well as its impact on the African American society and on American society in general. Although religion is commonly viewed as a personal strength that encompasses faith, hope and love, DuBois contrasts the colored mans religious ideals, with those of the white man.
Martin Luther King Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and became a pastor as well. This helped to influence the way he protested. He was a nonviolent speaker and wanted blacks and whites to be equal in society together not separated. He was a very good public speaker and many blacks along with whites supported his belief of being equal. Malcom X did not have the same lifestyle that Martin had the ability to grow up with.
As “elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), he was often seen as a rival to the NAACP. (Royson)” Martin Luther later became part of the NAACP. It was an organization that would help colored people earn their civil rights. His protests were anti-violent, because he believed there was no win through a physical war. The only way to win was with the help of God, because he created man as equal.
Though most of the people in Maycomb were racist in some way, many of those people knew Tom Robinson was innocent. Still, many people didn't feel comfortable with the idea of standing up for a black man, no matter how innocent he was. When Miss Maudie says, "Whether Maycomb knows it or not we're paying the highest tribute we can pay to a man. We trust him to do right it's just that simple" (Lee 236), she shows that the town treated Atticus as a leader. He showed the sheltered, little town that just because a person is colored, that does not mean they are guilty of whatever crime a white man had accused them of.
Obama goes on to say that his former pastor is a good man, that he just has lived and grew up in a time where segregation and the Jim Crow Laws were very much legal in the U.S. The anger and hostility of not being able to achieve something of oneself is felt not only in the African American community, but also in portions of the white community. Obama’s solution to ending this anger of diversity and discrimination is to work together and to move past some of the terrible things that have happened, and take our lives into our own hands and take responsibility for our own lives. We need to come together as a nation and improve our health care, jobs, and schools. After reading this speech I must say that President Obama definitely has some great points that made me really think about our society and how the older generations have really affected peoples lives today.
The term “Black Church” refers to Christian churches that pertain to predominantly African-American cultures in the United States. While some black churches belong to predominantly African-American denominations, such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church, many black churches are members of predominantly white denominations, such as the United Church of Christ. One of the noticeable differences in a black church, compared to a white church, is the music they play. Where I grew up, my family and I would always attend a church that was predominately black. The music that was played was important to the church and church people it always caused the church people to become excited for the Lord.
[3] After slavery was abolished, freed blacks continued to establish separate congregations and church facilities, creating communities and worship in culturally distinct ways. They had already created a unique and empowering form of Christianity that creolized African spiritual traditions. In addition, segregationist attitudes in both the North and the South discouraged and, especially in the South, prevented African-Americans from worshiping in the same churches as whites. The tradition of African-Americans worshipping together continued to develop during the late 19th century and continues to this day despite the decline of segregationist attitudes and the general acceptability of integrated worship. African American churches have long been the centers of communities, serving as school
He also said that “[America] should be occupied by all those who do not mean to compromise the principles of justice and liberty” [Source 4]. Clearly, he did not compromise his beliefs at all, for anything, and this proved him to be very passionate about his cause. However, in the beginning not many people really cared about what Garrison had to say. He was so extreme in his writings and speeches that it took time for more people to become interested. Also, as interested as Garrison was in freedom for black slaves, he was not convinced that they should be treated the way whites were treated.
Although his journey may have seemed impossible, his never-ending strength and dedication caused many people’s dreams and wishes to become realities. Garvey is considered a prophet by his followers, because of the inspiration he brought to the black race. He took a group of people that thought they had no place in this world and united them together which gave them pride in their race. He also had a tremendous affect on the creation of Rastafarianism. Even though he could not find enough support for his movement to succeed in Jamaica, Garvey gave Rasta’s the guidance they needed to rise above their oppressors which led them to create a movement for the black race in Jamaica.
The people felt that Christianity was a threat to their society and their people. This is shown in the text when Achebe writes, "The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one.