Perseverance through Adversity: The Importance of Unification
33 Sheffer
Throughout United States history, Americans have often fought for reform and revolution. One fight in particular, which was carried out for hundreds of years, could be considered the most difficult battle within our borders. The Civil Rights Movement was unique in its attempt to pervade the depths of inequalities deeply rooted within the American culture. Throughout the movement, the use of effective tactics by Black Americans1 greatly encouraged the possibility of this reform. Much of the literature surrounding the Civil Rights Movement discusses the ways in which the struggles for equality, although layered with hatred and oppression, were met with intelligent action that enabled the progression of the cause. Articles written during this time as well as books inspired by the movement, including Time on Two Crosses by Devon W. Carbado and Donald Weise, Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, The Lakestown Rebellion by Kristin Lattany, and The Spook Who Sat by the Door by Sam Greenlee, show some of these strategies as recurring themes necessary to the advancement of civil rights. In all of these texts, it is made apparent that unity is one of the most important driving forces that enable Black Americans to overcome their oppressors. Without individuals working together for the common good of the group, there would be no firm foundation to create movements dealing with important issues such as civil rights. Therefore, during this movement, unification in regard to the group as a whole serves as the foundation of strength beneath the Black American community. During the Civil Rights Movement many people recognized the importance of unification and used this to their advantage. Bayard Rustin, an influential civil rights leader who often remained behind the scenes of the movement, strongly advocated the importance of nonviolent protest. Although he focused his strategies on nonviolence rather than unity, it is clear that nonviolent protest has a powerful impact only when it is supported by the unified mentality and behaviors of a group. In the book Time on Two Crosses, editors Carbado and Weise discuss the famous “March on Washington.” Organized by Rustin in response to civil rights legislation and employment issues, this march was so powerful in commanding the attention of the public because of the unity of the Black Americans who were involved. According to Carbado and Weise, this demonstration, “was a turning point in American protest history” (XXX). They go on to say that, “the movement peacefully coalesced for the first time ever, articulating its demands for the economic empowerment and civil rights with one voice. Even Malcolm X... attended, telling reporters, ‘Well, whatever black folks do, maybe I don’t agree with it; but I’m going to be there, brother, because that’s where I belong’ ” (Carbado and Weise XXX). Although Malcom X did not agree with the nonviolent tactic, he understood the power of support through unification. It is no surprise that this act of unity granted the protesters the power and attention they needed in order to be successful in projecting their message to the United States.
aegis 2009
Jessica Sheffer
