MALCOLM X/BLACK POWER WORKERS

Question 1

Give context statement

Answer 1

• 60s and 70s period of time of significant change - ambitious programmes of social reform due to jfk new frontier and Johnson great society
• Improvements meant that prosperity increased, changes in technology - decline in union power

Question 2

Ways federal govt positively impacted rights

Answer 2

• Legislation influenced by movement and good impact on workers - 1964 economic opportunity act
• Encouraged nixons policy of affirmative action

Question 3

Other ways rights positively impacted

Answer 3

• Movement pushed for abandonment of any racist practices in unions
• Focus on poverty important for black americans - link to Johnson great society
• Practical help for those living in ghettos - free breakfast, keeping ghettos on agenda

Question 4

Ways rights negatively impacted

Answer 4

• Trade unions did little for black American workers - not represented in afl-cio leadership, despite explicit obligation to not racially discriminate
• Militancy/violence led to loss of support
• Focus on cultural identity/separation from whites - limiting practical changes for workers, less of priority
• Wanted black American solidarity no worker solidarity - creating divide with mainstream union movement
• Focus on poverty meant there was little emphasis on labour rights