March Against Fear

Definition

The March Against Fear was a significant civil rights march in June 1966, initiated by James Meredith to encourage African Americans to register to vote and combat racial discrimination in the South. The event drew national attention and became a pivotal moment that highlighted the struggles faced by Black Americans during the civil rights movement, particularly in the context of the growing Black Power movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The March Against Fear began when James Meredith was shot while attempting to walk from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson, Mississippi, to promote voting rights.
2. After Meredith's shooting, civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Stokely Carmichael, and Floyd McKissick took up his cause and led thousands of participants in the march.
3. The event emphasized the importance of voter registration and mobilized African Americans in Mississippi to exercise their right to vote amid rampant racial violence and intimidation.
4. This march marked a shift towards the more assertive Black Power movement, highlighting the need for self-defense and local control within the African American community.
5. The March Against Fear culminated with a rally in Jackson, where speakers highlighted issues of racial injustice and called for increased political participation among Black Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the March Against Fear impact voter registration efforts among African Americans in Mississippi?
  • The March Against Fear significantly boosted voter registration efforts by drawing national attention to the systematic obstacles faced by African Americans in Mississippi. It mobilized thousands of Black citizens to register to vote, showcasing their determination to combat racial discrimination. The event also highlighted the dangers and challenges involved in this pursuit, as demonstrated by James Meredith's shooting, which served as a rallying point for civil rights activists.
• Discuss how the March Against Fear contributed to the evolution of the Black Power movement during the civil rights era.
  • The March Against Fear played a critical role in the evolution of the Black Power movement by shifting focus towards a more assertive approach in advocating for African American rights. While earlier movements emphasized integration and nonviolence, this march underscored the necessity for self-defense and local empowerment against systemic racism. The involvement of leaders like Stokely Carmichael further emphasized this transition, as he began promoting the idea that African Americans should take control of their own communities and political destinies.
• Analyze the significance of James Meredith's role in initiating the March Against Fear and how it reflects broader themes in the civil rights movement.
  • James Meredith's role as the initiator of the March Against Fear exemplifies broader themes of resilience and resistance within the civil rights movement. His courageous act of integrating the University of Mississippi symbolized the struggle against institutional racism. After being shot during his march, his plight galvanized other activists to rally around his cause, reflecting how individual actions can ignite collective movements. This underscores a critical turning point in civil rights activism where personal sacrifices were met with widespread community support, ultimately paving the way for stronger demands for equity and justice.

Related terms

James Meredith: An African American civil rights activist who became the first Black student admitted to the University of Mississippi, his actions inspired the March Against Fear.

Black Power: A political slogan and movement advocating for racial pride, economic empowerment, and self-determination for Black people, emerging during the civil rights movement.

Voting Rights Act of 1965:

A landmark piece of federal legislation that aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans, significantly impacting voter registration efforts.