Lesson 3: Organizing to Demand Rights

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Questions and Answers

What is a boycott?

A voluntary refusal to use or buy something, usually for political reasons.

What is nonviolent resistance?

The idea that change can be achieved through peaceful protest.

Who was Rosa Parks?

An activist in the NAACP whose refusal to give up her seat on a bus to a white man helped spark the Montgomery Bus Boycotts.

Who was Martin Luther King Jr.?

A national civil rights leader and spokesperson who gained recognition as the bus boycott's leader. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA)?

A civil rights organization that organized the bus boycott and played a leading role in the fight against segregation. Signup and view all the answers

What were the effects of the boycott?

The bus company lost money, closed routes to African American neighborhoods, and petitioned city leaders for help. Protestors lost their jobs, faced harassment and violence, and inspired similar boycotts in other cities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)?

A student-led group formed by Ella Baker from the SCLC known for demonstrations and organization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)?

An interracial group founded to improve race relations and fight segregation in the South, known for using sit-ins to spur integration. Signup and view all the answers

What were Freedom Rides?

Organized by CORE and later SNCC, where African Americans and whites traveled by bus through the South to test and challenge segregation. Signup and view all the answers

What is Black Nationalism?

A belief in the separate identity and racial unity of the African American community. Signup and view all the answers

A leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott who became the spokesperson for nonviolent protest by African Americans was?

Martin Luther King Jr. Signup and view all the answers

The Montgomery Bus Boycott was based on the principle of?

Nonviolent resistance Signup and view all the answers

The main purpose of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was to?

Gain full equality for African Americans Signup and view all the answers

The actions of four African American college students at a lunch counter in 1960 started a?

Sit-in movement Signup and view all the answers

The philosophies of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. are best described as?

Drastically different Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the social impact of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

It inspired similar boycotts in other cities across the nation Signup and view all the answers

A group that was led by Martin Luther King Jr. and trained volunteers in nonviolent resistance was?

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference Signup and view all the answers

Which leader joined the Nation of Islam while in jail and then brought many African Americans into the movement?

Malcolm X Signup and view all the answers

A direct result of Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955 was?

The Montgomery Bus Boycott Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terminology

Boycott: A purposeful and voluntary refusal to utilize or purchase goods or services, often motivated by political beliefs.
Nonviolent Resistance: A method of enacting change through peaceful protests rather than violence.

Key Figures

Rosa Parks: NAACP activist known for her pivotal role in initiating the Montgomery Bus Boycotts by refusing to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger.
Martin Luther King Jr.: Prominent national civil rights leader associated with the Montgomery Bus Boycott, founder of the Montgomery Improvement Association, and advocate for nonviolent resistance amidst significant personal risks.

Organizations

Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA): Civil rights group founded on principles of nonviolent resistance, instrumental in organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott and fighting segregation.
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC): Student-led organization formed by Ella Baker, known for organizing demonstrations, Freedom Rides, and the March on Washington.
Congress of Racial Equality (CORE): Interracial group established by James Farmer to enhance race relations in the South, employing tactics like sit-ins to promote integration.

Events and Movements

Montgomery Bus Boycott: Resulting from Rosa Parks' arrest, this boycott led to financial losses for the bus company, route closures affecting African American neighborhoods, and intensified civil rights activism. Protestors faced job losses and violence but inspired similar movements nationwide.
Freedom Rides: Coordinated by CORE and SNCC, these bus trips challenged segregation in public transportation, faced violent opposition in certain regions.
Sit-in Movement: Initiated by four African American college students at a lunch counter in 1960, this nonviolent act called for racial equality in dining establishments.

Philosophies and Impact

Black Nationalism: Advocates for a distinct identity and unity within the African American community.
Martin Luther King Jr. vs. Malcolm X: Their philosophies differed significantly; King endorsed nonviolence, whereas Malcolm X’s approach included elements of self-defense and black empowerment.
Social Impact of the Montgomery Bus Boycott: It heightened national awareness of segregation issues and inspired boycotts and civil rights movements across the country.

Important Test Questions

Leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott: Martin Luther King Jr. became the spokesperson for nonviolent protest during this movement.
Principle of the Montgomery Bus Boycott: Based on nonviolent resistance.
Southern Christian Leadership Conference: Aimed to secure full equality for African Americans, nurturing leadership for peaceful protests.

Notable Outcomes

Joining the Nation of Islam: Malcolm X, who became a prominent figure for African American rights after his induction into the Nation of Islam while in prison.
Legacy of Rosa Parks: Her refusal to give up her seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a critical event paving the way for future civil rights initiatives.

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Description

This quiz focuses on key concepts and figures related to organizing for civil rights. It includes definitions of important terms like 'boycott' and 'nonviolent resistance,' as well as significant historical figures like Rosa Parks. Test your knowledge and understanding of these fundamental ideas.