Life of Black Revolutionaries in the 1950s IntroductionRace and racial identity have always been at the heart of American history. In the United States these forces were very strong especially for African Americans who were emerging from a long period of slavery and oppression. This led to the birth of the civil rights movement, composed mainly of black revolutionaries and some white supporters. This essay focuses on the life of an African American in the 1950s, how they became involved in the movement, and the success the movement achieved. Life of the 1950s Black Revolutionary American history has been characterized by the ugly reality of racial discrimination, and several individuals and groups have taken part in the fight against vice (Library of Congress). African Americans responded in different ways. For example, Booker T. Washington (1856-1915), supported industrial schooling for African Americans and gradual social adjustment, but opposed political and civil rights. Reformer Marcus Garvey (1887-1940) called for complete racial separatism and even initiated the popular "Back to Africa" ​​project, whereby Africans would return to their origins. However, another was adopted which emphasized that African Americans were in America to stay and fight for their freedom and political equality. This is what led to the modern civil rights movement. The civil rights movement in the United States was one such movement for equal treatment of all races. This was because African Americans did not have the same rights as whites because of the color of their skin. For example, African Americans could not vote, could not attend the same school...... middle of paper...... repression and violence supported and condoned by the government There were also visible changes at a cultural level where witnessed widespread and increased participation of African-Americans in sports and popular culture, including television, music and film. In conclusion, although the evils of white supremacy are still felt, there has been a progressive change in several aspects in favor of African-Americans compared to the time before the rise of the civil rights movement. Works Cited by Michelle Brattain. Politics of whiteness. The Racial Divide and the Class Struggle in the United States, 2001. Available at: http://search.proquest.com/docview/236516315?accountid=45049Library of Congress. “The Civil Rights Era.” American Memory Project. Available at: http://www.memory.loc.gov/ammem/aahtml/exhibit/aopart9.html