Glossary
"The Ballot or the Bullet"
A famous 1964 speech by Malcolm X that urged African Americans to exercise their right to vote ('the ballot') to achieve civil rights, or be prepared to use self-defense ('the bullet') if political means failed.
Example:
In his speech, Malcolm X argued that if the government failed to protect Black people's rights, then "The Ballot or the Bullet" would be their only options.
Black Nationalism
A political and social movement advocating for the unity, self-determination, and empowerment of Black people, often emphasizing racial pride and the creation of independent Black institutions.
Example:
Marcus Garvey's Universal Negro Improvement Association was an early proponent of Black Nationalism, encouraging Black people to build their own economic and social structures.
Black Power Movement
A political and social movement emerging in the mid-1960s that emphasized racial pride, self-determination, and the empowerment of Black communities, often advocating for self-defense and cultural affirmation.
Example:
The chant 'Black Power!' became a rallying cry for activists who felt the Civil Rights Movement was not addressing systemic racism quickly enough.
Black Separatism
The belief that Black people should form separate communities and institutions, independent of white society, to achieve self-determination and overcome racial oppression.
Example:
Some proponents of Black Separatism argued for the establishment of an independent Black nation within the United States.
Elijah Muhammad
The leader of the Nation of Islam from 1934 to 1975, who significantly shaped its ideology, promoted economic self-sufficiency, and advocated for Black separatism.
Example:
Under Elijah Muhammad's guidance, the Nation of Islam grew its influence by establishing farms and restaurants to support its members.
Malcolm X
An influential Muslim minister and human rights activist who initially advocated for Black separatism and self-defense, later evolving to embrace a more internationalist and Pan-African perspective.
Example:
Malcolm X's powerful speeches challenged the nonviolent approach of the mainstream Civil Rights Movement, urging Black people to defend themselves 'by any means necessary.'
Muhammad Speaks
The official newspaper of the Nation of Islam, used as a primary tool to disseminate its Black nationalist ideology, promote self-sufficiency, and organize its members.
Example:
Through Muhammad Speaks, the Nation of Islam reached a wide audience, promoting its message of Black pride and economic independence.
Nation of Islam
A religious and political organization founded in 1930 that combined Islamic principles with Black Nationalist ideology, advocating for Black self-sufficiency and empowerment.
Example:
The Nation of Islam established its own schools and businesses to promote economic independence within Black communities.
Pan-Africanism
A movement that seeks to unify and strengthen the bonds of solidarity among all indigenous and diaspora ethnic groups of African descent, based on a shared history and destiny.
Example:
Malcolm X's travels to Africa and the Middle East deepened his commitment to Pan-Africanism, seeing the struggle for Black liberation as a global one.
Self-Defense
The act of protecting oneself or one's community from harm, often through the use of force. Malcolm X advocated for this right for African Americans against racial violence.
Example:
The Black Panther Party's patrols of police activity were an embodiment of their commitment to self-defense within their communities.
Self-determination
The right of a people to govern themselves and choose their own political status, free from external control. In the context of Black Power, it meant Black communities controlling their own destinies.
Example:
The call for self-determination meant that Black communities should have control over their local schools, businesses, and political representation.