

In his Berkeley speech, Carmichael stated, “Black people cut themselves every night in the ghetto–Don’t anybody talk about nonviolence. What is meant by the “counterculture” of the 1960s? Does the term “counterculture” refer to a specific set of beliefs or values? Who would be considered the leaders of this “counterculture,” and how, if at all, is its influence still seen today? Do you believe that such language was both ethical and effective in Carmichael’s day? Would you judge such language the same way today?į. The “counterculture” of the 1960s has been described and portrayed in many books and movies. The last line of Carmichael’s Berkeley Black Power speech states: “Move over, or we’re going to move over you.” Certainly, this is an example of Carmichael’s militant style. Carmichael alienated many people in his audience when he (re)introduced the concept of “Black Power.” Was this a calculated risk? Do you believe he could have achieved the same goals by using less provocative language?Į. Are there any contemporary black leaders who possess leadership qualities similar to those of Carmichael?ĭ.

Discuss what you think made Carmichael a “charismatic” leader with the movement. At a very young age, Carmichael was able to garner respect as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Do you believe the embrace of more militant strategies by Carmichael and others helped advance the cause of civil rights for African Americans? Why or why not?Ĭ. Carmichael is both praised and criticized for abandoning the nonviolent protest strategy of Dr. Why do you think the speech is included among the “top 100” of the century? Do you believe that Carmichael’s “Black Power” speech is worthy of such recognition? Why or why not?ī. A. Stokely Carmichael’s Berkeley speech has been ranked among”the top 100 speeches” of the twentieth century in a survey of scholars of rhetoric.
