Respect and Accomplishment for African Americans Essay

The time span between 1954 and 2010 tells a story for African Americans. The timespan tells a story of perseverance and accomplishments. African American like Malcom X, Stokey Carmichael, and even Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had different views on ways to gain respect for the generations that followed behind them. Even though they had different views on how to gain respect from whites; they shared the same desires. Their similar desires were to lead blacks to higher positions, better life styles, and to gain respect. Lack of respect was one aspect of life that every African American had to deal with no matter how high their position power may have been .African Americans fought for respects in many different aspects of their†¦show more content†¦A variety of restrictions were put on African Americans to discourage or keep blacks from voting. Restrictions were put on blacks such as poll taxes, grandfather clause, and even literacy test. In 1967 Malcom X’s speech †Å"Ballot or Bullet† was given as a wakeup call to African Americans. â€Å"I think youll have to agree that were going to be forced either to use the ballot or the bullet. Its one or the other in 1964. It isnt that time is running out -- time has run out!† (Ballot or Bullet 1964). This speech was to let African Americans see that voting was their right, and if whites were going to fight to keep their rights away from them than blacks would have to fight back. The â€Å"Ballot or Bullet† speech showed blacks than whites were not going to give them what was rightfully theirs. African Americans from 1964 to 2010 had to fight for respect in politics and their hard work was finally recognized nationally when Obama was elected as president. Then entertainment industry was definitely a struggle for respect for African Americans. Looking back at the roles of dumb buffoons and servants that blacks were casted for; it was apparent they were looked as inferior in talent. African Americans such as Sugar Hill Gang, James Brown, and Living Colour used their talents and meaningful lyrics to gain respect and recognition. Sugar Hill Gang used their song â€Å"Rappers Delight† as a declaration that they made it and that were ready to party. James Brown used his songShow MoreRelatedAfrican American Lifestyle Essay1424 Words   |  6 Pagesbackground. African Americans in particular do not know anything about their background, and most of them do not care to know. Now in these modern days it is important to know where one came from, and to know their background. Knowing ones history will be a benefit to that person, and his or her family because history is a way to success. African Americans are one of the races of people in America that is confused about whom they are. 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