#AP African American Studies: The Civil Rights Movement - Night Before Review 🚀

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#1. The Foundation: Unity and Nonviolent Resistance

#1.1. Unity Through Common Goals

• The "Big Four" Civil Rights Organizations:

* **NAACP** (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People): Focused on legal strategies and litigation. * **SCLC** (Southern Christian Leadership Conference): Led by MLK Jr., emphasized nonviolent protest and civil disobedience. * **CORE** (Congress of Racial Equality): Pioneered sit-ins and freedom rides. * **SNCC** (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee): Organized grassroots activism and voter registration. * * They collaborated on major initiatives like the **March on Washington**, showcasing a united front.

#1.2. Nonviolent Protest Strategies

• Civil Disobedience: Marches, sit-ins, economic boycotts, and using mass media to raise awareness.

* **Grassroots Organizing**: Empowered local communities and developed new leaders like **Fannie Lou Hamer**.

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of the "Big Four" civil rights organizations? (A) To promote Black nationalism and separatism (B) To achieve racial equality and end discrimination (C) To advocate for armed self-defense (D) To establish separate Black communities

2. Which tactic was most associated with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)? (A) Legal challenges in court (B) Sit-ins and Freedom Rides (C) Mass marches and demonstrations (D) Voter registration drives

#2. Mobilization and Key Events

#2.1. Birmingham Children's Crusade

• In 1963, children and teenagers marched to protest segregation in Birmingham, Alabama.

* The bravery of the children inspired more youth involvement.

Image: A powerful example of direct action, this photo shows John Lewis and others protesting segregation at a swimming pool.

#2.2. March on Washington

• Organized by A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin in 1963, it highlighted economic inequality and racial injustice.

* **Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.** delivered his iconic **"I Have a Dream"** speech.

#2.3. Mississippi Freedom Summer

• Launched in 1964 to address racial violence and voter suppression in Mississippi.
• Freedom Schools were established to promote civic engagement and Black history education.

* This led to the formation of the **Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party**.

Practice Question

Short Answer Question:

Briefly explain how the Birmingham Children's Crusade and the March on Washington contributed to the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement. (3 sentences max)

#3. Legislative Achievements

#3.1. Civil Rights Act of 1964

• This landmark legislation ended segregation in public spaces and banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
• It enforced desegregation of schools and workplaces.
• Outlawed discriminatory practices in employment and voting.

#3.2. Voting Rights Act of 1965

• Prohibited racial discrimination in voting, banning literacy tests and poll taxes.
• Authorized federal oversight of elections in areas with a history of voter suppression.
• Led to a significant increase in African American voter registration and political participation.

Practice Question

Free Response Question:

Analyze the impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 on the lives of African Americans. In your response, be sure to:

• Explain the specific provisions of each act.
• Discuss how these acts addressed key issues of inequality.
• Provide examples of the changes that resulted from each act.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Point 1: Explanation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (1 point)
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and ended segregation in public spaces.
• Point 2: Explanation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (1 point)
  • The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibited racial discrimination in voting, banning literacy tests and poll taxes, and authorized federal oversight of elections.
• Point 3: Discussion of how the acts addressed key issues of inequality (2 points)
  • The Civil Rights Act directly addressed segregation and discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and education, while the Voting Rights Act aimed to eliminate barriers to voting, thus empowering African Americans politically.
• Point 4: Examples of changes resulting from each act (2 points)
  • Examples for the Civil Rights Act: desegregation of schools and public places, more equal employment opportunities. Examples for the Voting Rights Act: increased voter registration and political participation among African Americans, election of Black officials.

#4. Required Sources: Key Insights

#4.1. "Nonviolence and Racial Justice" by Martin Luther King Jr., 1957

• Changing self-perception: African Americans moved from accepting inferiority to embracing self-worth.

* **Global quest for freedom**: The African American struggle is part of a larger global movement against oppression. * **Nonviolent resistance**: Inspired by Gandhi, it's the most effective and moral approach to combating injustice. * **Agape love**: A selfless, redemptive love that seeks nothing in return, central to nonviolent resistance.

#4.2. John Lewis and Colleagues, Prayer Demonstration at a Segregated Swimming Pool, Cairo, Illinois by Danny Lyon, 1962

• This photograph showcases the nonviolent direct action tactics used by activists like John Lewis.
• It illustrates the courage and determination of young protesters challenging segregation in public spaces.
• The image highlights the widespread nature of racial discrimination beyond the Deep South.
• It shows the role of religious faith in the movement.

#4.3. "The Revolution Is at Hand" by John Lewis, 1963

• Main Message: Urgent call for immediate and radical action on civil rights.
• Key Points:
  • Criticism of the proposed civil rights bill as inadequate.
  • Highlighting ongoing injustices and violence against Black Americans.
  • Demand for voting rights and economic equality.
  • Critique of political parties and leadership.
  • Call for a nonviolent revolution.
  • Rejection of gradualism and calls for patience.
  • Vision of widespread, persistent protest across the nation.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "We cannot be patient, we do not want to be free gradually. We want our freedom, and we want it now."
  • "To those who have said, 'Be patient and wait,' we must say that 'patience' is a dirty and nasty word."
  • "We shall fragment the South into a thousand pieces and put them back together in the image of democracy."
• Conclusion: Lewis ends with a powerful call to action: "WAKE UP AMERICA!"

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. In his essay "Nonviolence and Racial Justice," Martin Luther King Jr. emphasizes the importance of: (A) Retaliatory violence against oppressors (B) Agape love as a central principle of nonviolent resistance (C) Political maneuvering over direct action (D) Separation as a means to achieve equality

2. John Lewis’s speech "The Revolution Is at Hand" primarily calls for: (A) Gradual and patient progress in civil rights (B) Immediate and radical action on civil rights (C) Cooperation with political parties (D) Acceptance of the status quo

#5. Final Exam Focus

• High-Priority Topics: The "Big Four" organizations, nonviolent protest strategies, key events (Birmingham, March on Washington, Freedom Summer), and landmark legislation (Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act).
• Common Question Types: MCQs on key figures and events, short answers on the impact of specific actions, and FRQs analyzing the significance of legislation and movements.

* * **Strategies for Success**: Review your notes one last time, focus on key terms and concepts, and stay calm and confident. You've got this!

Remember, you've worked hard, and you're ready. Take a deep breath, trust your preparation, and go ace that exam! You've got this! 💪