The Pathos of “Black Power”

The Pathos of “Black Power”

Clearly, the slogan reflects strong emotions. In its very vagueness, it is like a cry of deliverance. Whether it can lead to a strategy for action is another question.

Because I favor the substance of black power, I am dubious about the slogan “Black Power.” By power for Negroes, I mean grass-roots organization to strengthen “the Movement” and spur allied progressive forces—unions, churches, students, liberals—into renewed common action in behalf of a major ...