SNCC vs. The Black Panther Party: Comparing and Contrasting Controversial
Revolutionary Groups During the Civil Rights Movement
During the Civil Rights Movement, there were many struggling minority groups
that were trying to find equality in the world. Some sat back and took the abuse, hoping
that someday peace would find its way into the heart of America. Others, however, took a
much more active approach, thusly creating political parties and activist groups. Two
very prominent groups during this time were SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating
Committee) and The Black Panther Party. Both parties’ views on democracy and equality
varied greatly and conflicted with each other often. Even still, they made great
contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and went down in history forever for it.
SNCC was a political activist group that was formed in 1960 and ended in 1966.
What made SNCC different from other activist parties during this time? Nonviolence was
their number one priority. They performed
many sit-ins at restaurants and other
public places and supported their leaders
as well as publicizing the activities they
were involved in. They fought white
oppression in a peaceful way instead of
bloodshed. Members of SNCC followed
the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.
They believed in the destruction of
segregation, racism, and social groups in
America due to one’s skin color or race.
The various sit-ins contributed to the end
of racial segregation in restaurants, public
pools, theatres, schools, and so on. SNCC also believed in the power of voting. As well as
equality, SNCC fought for the right to vote as a “first class” citizen, just as the whites
always did. With the power of voting, they could have the authority to get involved in
government. Their peaceful, righteous methods of rebellion have been recognized and
appreciated greatly in America. Still, there was another activist party that was being
organized and they weren’t willing to fight for their rights without bloodshed: welcome to
the Black Panther Party’s den.
The Black Panther Party was formed
in 1966 and was a militant self-defense group
that fought government and desperately
sought revolutionary socialism. They wanted
to protect local communities from police
brutality and racism. Unlike SNCC, they
were not afraid to use weapons to fight for
equality and were sometimes thought to be
terrorists due to the irrationality of the acts
they performed. They followed the practices
of Malcolm X, an international working class
unity across color and gender. Many minority
groups were collected within the Black
Panther Party. It was somewhat of a “melting pot” of angry, activist groups. The Black
Panthers believed that you cannot have a revolution without spilling blood. People would
have to die in order for change to occur (much like what Malcolm X wrote in Message to
the Grassroots). They even adapted some Marxist beliefs later in the revolution. Their
radical, socialist beliefs contributed to many of the Panthers being jailed and executed for
voluntary manslaughter. You would never find a Black Panther sitting during the Civil
Rights Movement. They were always on their feet. Always watching their backs. Always
ready for action…
Despite the vast differences each party has, they fought for a common goal:
equality. Racism was getting out of hand in America and these brave people decided to
take a stand and fight against it. Even though their different approaches to the problem
were polar opposite, people will never forget what they did. Equality was never going to
happen unless something radical happened. Something big. Maybe it was just sitting at a
“whites only” counter in a restaurant. Or maybe it was taking the life of a police officer
for unfair treatment of an African-American boy. Either way, the people needed a change
and were willing to go to great straits to get it.
During the Civil Rights Movement, there were many struggling minority groups
that were trying to find equality in the world. Some sat back and took the abuse, hoping
that someday peace would find its way into the heart of America. Others, however, took a
much more active approach, thusly creating political parties and activist groups. Two
very prominent groups during this time were SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating
Committee) and The Black Panther Party. Both parties’ views on democracy and equality
varied greatly and conflicted with each other often. Even still, they made great
contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and went down in history forever for it.
Sites Used For Information:
http://www.ibiblio.org/sncc/
http://www.proquestk12.com/downloads/SNCC.jpg\
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAsncc.htm
http://www.marxists.org/history/usa/workers/black-panthers/
http://www.blackpanther.org/legacynew.htm
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USApantherB.htm