How did the Black Power movement differ from earlier civil rights activism?

The Black Power movement is distinguished from earlier civil rights activism primarily by its emphasis on self-determination and a more militant stance. Unlike the earlier civil rights movements, which primarily focused on integration, legal equality, and nonviolent protest, the Black Power movement advocated for a more assertive approach to gaining rights and recognition for African Americans. Leaders within this movement emphasized the importance of cultural pride, community control, and sometimes even armed self-defense as means to achieve their goals.

The call for self-determination was significant because it sought to empower African Americans to make decisions that directly affected their lives without relying solely on the structures of mainstream society. This movement also encouraged pride in Black identity and heritage, which were seen as essential components of building a robust community that could advocate for its own needs and rights. By adopting a more militant stance, the Black Power movement indicated a departure from the strictly nonviolent methods that characterized much of the earlier civil rights activism, reflecting a growing frustration with the slow progress of racial equality and systemic change.