Hi lovelies,
The US has a long history of racism, with Black Americans being on the receiving end of oppression. Many civil rights leaders have been instrumental in making life different for blacks. While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is the most popular among them, several others served as pillars of strength during the struggle phase. Each was a hero in their own way, and their contributions cannot be overlooked. Here are some of the most iconic Black civil rights leaders and the lessons they taught the world.
Martin Luther King Jr
Martin Luther King Jr. was renowned for his non-violent methods, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 35. The most iconic moment in his life came when he delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech at the 1963 March on Washington. He went to prison 30 times for unreasonable charges as he stood against inequality and injustice. His non-violent approach made him a real-life hero for millions around the world.
Malcolm X
While Dr. King was known for his non-violent stand, Malcolm X belonged to the other school of thought. He believed that one should adopt any means necessary to defend oneself. He wanted a separate country for African Americans where they could claim their power and rights. His approach was aggressive, but his lesson encouraged millions of blacks to protest against oppression.
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks was called the mother of the American civil rights movement. Her journey as an activist began when she was arrested and convicted for refusing to leave her bus seat for a white man. Her popularity lives on as it is easy to spot someone in a nah rosa parks shirt on the streets of America even today. Her immense faith in freedom and inequality brings lessons for the younger generations. She dared to raise her voice against oppression, which is why she has a special place in the hearts of blacks.
Harriet Tubman
Another female Black activist who deserves a special mention is Harriet Tubman. She was called the “Moses of her people,” and served as a guerrilla soldier, nurse, scout, and spy in the Union Army in the Civil War. Tubman was also the first African American female to serve in the military. She was an inspiration for many as she helped 70 enslaved people gain freedom through a network called the Underground Railroad.
Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass came a long way as an activist, escaping slavery to become one of the prominent leaders of the abolitionist movement. He strongly condemned the practice of slavery in the country and took a strong stance on issues such as women’s rights and Irish home rule. Douglass was also an acclaimed author and public speaker, and his works inspired followers decades later during the Civil War and beyond.
These iconic American black rights activists occupy prominent places in world history. But the movement was not confined only to the US. Great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela raised their voices against the oppression of blacks around the world.
