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The Non-Civil Rights Movement: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Non-violent direct action was based on the premise that proving the violence came from anti-Civil Rights protesters would benefit the progression of the movement. This type of protest stemmed from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s personal beliefs, and were practiced beginning in the sit-ins in the 1960s (Eyes on the Prize). Students would go limp when attacked and put their hands up to show they were not fighting back. This caught the attention of the media and news spread worldwide that only white people were fighting minority groups. King also organized the Montgomery Bus Boycotts in 1955 following the arrest of Rosa Parks (Eyes on the Prize). This was a peaceful boycott in which those who used the bus system would instead walk or use carpools and taxis. Yet again this brought white people to spew hatred towards those who did this and violently react against them. …show more content…
This idea was led by Malcolm X, who supported his beliefs by saying no conflict in the past was solved through peace. In his words, “A revolution is bloody. Revolution is hostile. Revolution knows no compromise.” (Malcolm X v. MLK lesson). His words spurred groups of young adults to follow his words and condemn white racism. MLK disliked his use of violence, saying, “...this movement is made up of people who have lost faith in America… and who have concluded that the white man is an incorrigible ‘devil.’” (Malcolm X v. MLK lesson). Both sides, however, continued action correlating with their beliefs, leading to both movements and violent protests in the fight for Civil

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