Before reviewing the content of this week's readings, I thought that power movements were mainly about protests or marches. I used to see them as people just demanding change loudly. After learning about the Black Power movement, the Women’s liberation movement, and the Disability Rights movement, I understand that power movements are much more than that. They are about people who have been ignored or mistreated for a long time standing up and pushing for real change in society. These movements are important because they gave people a voice and helped them celebrate who they are when society refused to acknowledge them and their struggles. The Foundations of Black Power article from the National Museum of African History and Culture helped me see how Black people in the 1960s and 1970s wanted more than civil rights, they wanted self determination. Black power was about fighting racism but also having pride in Black identity, creating community programs like free breakfast for kids, and taking control of education and politics. The Black Panthers for example, did not just protest. They helped feed their neighborhoods, protected people from police violence and attempted to make real change. The Women's Liberation movement of the 1970’s, as explained in the JSTOR article ‘What Was Women’s Liberation?, had similar goals. Women were tired of being expected to solely be mothers and wives. They wanted equal opportunities in jobs, education and in their personal lives. Women shared their personal stories with each other, which helped them realize their struggles were not just individual and that they were a part of a broken system that needed to change. One part of the article talked about “consciousness-raising groups” where women would talk about their lives and experiences. These small group meetings gave them the strength to speak out and demand things like reproductive rights, equal pay and an end to sexism. This helped me see that power movements also come from connection and shared experiences. The Disability Rights Movement, as explained in ‘A Brief History of the Disability Rights Movement by the ADL, also opened my eyes. Disabled people were often isolated, seen as helpless, or hidden away in institutions. The movement fought to change that by demanding accessibility, like ramps and elevators, and equal rights under the law. The famous 504 Sit-In in 1977 was a clear example of people using protest and persistence to apply pressure and push for a change. Disabled activists stayed inside a federal building for almost a month until their rights were recognized. This movement showed me that people with disabilities were strong, organized and powerful… Even when society treated them like they were weak.
After learning about all these movements, I noticed some common factors. They were all led by minorities and people directly impacted by injustices. They also all used protest and community building to help create change. Lastly, they empowered others and helped others feel seen and proud of their identities despite society ignoring them. All of these protests show that real power comes from people coming together and refusing to settle for less than they deserve.
Works Cited:
ADL Education. “A Brief History of the Disability Rights Movement.” Www.adl.org, Anti-Defamation League, 3 May 2017, www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/brief-history-disability-rights-movement.
Gershon, Livia. “What Was Women’s Liberation?” JSTOR Daily, 11 Sept. 2020, daily.jstor.org/what-was-womens-liberation/.
Khan Academy. “Liberation Movements of the 1970s.” Khan Academy, 2019, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/postwarera/1970s-america/a/liberation-movements-1970s.
National Museum of African American History & Culture. “The Foundations of Black Power | National Museum of African American History and Culture.” Nmaahc.si.edu, 5 July 2019, nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/foundations-black-power.
After learning about all these movements, I noticed some common factors. They were all led by minorities and people directly impacted by injustices. They also all used protest and community building to help create change. Lastly, they empowered others and helped others feel seen and proud of their identities despite society ignoring them. All of these protests show that real power comes from people coming together and refusing to settle for less than they deserve.
Works Cited:
ADL Education. “A Brief History of the Disability Rights Movement.” Www.adl.org, Anti-Defamation League, 3 May 2017, www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/brief-history-disability-rights-movement.
Gershon, Livia. “What Was Women’s Liberation?” JSTOR Daily, 11 Sept. 2020, daily.jstor.org/what-was-womens-liberation/.
Khan Academy. “Liberation Movements of the 1970s.” Khan Academy, 2019, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/postwarera/1970s-america/a/liberation-movements-1970s.
National Museum of African American History & Culture. “The Foundations of Black Power | National Museum of African American History and Culture.” Nmaahc.si.edu, 5 July 2019, nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/foundations-black-power.