BHM: Black power, a sense of self

DELMARVA – Black Power allowed African Americans agency to their sense of self.

47ABC spoke with Dr. Akwasi Osei, Dean at Delaware State University. He tells us Black Power is a reorientation of history that emphasizes the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Osei also says if the laws say we have access to certain things, we should have them. Stokely Carmichael coined the term black power.

“For one thing it was Black folk who started it. It was Black folk who put the agenda on the table, it was about self-determination, it was about fighting for oneself  in the system that is an example of Black power,” Dr. Osei says.

Dr. Osea says Black power was more than just a seat at the lunch counter or getting a chance to vote. Rather it was a focus of attention on issues such as self, alliance, self-determination and essentially integration. The Black power movement is a sense of putting the black person at the center and can often be seen in the symbol of a black fist in the air. Dr. Osei says you to can get involved in the movement:

“If you’re going to fight for black folks than their interests, their concerns should be at the center of your activities,” he concludes.

Dr. Osei says if you’re going to believe in a system make sure it represents you, and find ways to be actively involved in it.