Thesis Statement: Throughout the history of the United States, as seen through an
analysis of African-American literature and rhetoric, black rage has not only existed, but has grown. As the momentum toward equality is clearly evident in the black race's struggle, the question of where (or when) this rage will subside (if ever) remains unanswered. In examining black rage, four distinct periods of American history should be considered: slavery, Reconstruction and Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Era, and contemporary America.
1. Throughout African-American history, a presence of "black rage" is identifiable through both African-American literature and rhetoric.
2. This rage has emanated from a state of racial inequality and has gained
1. When dealing with the concept of racial equality, the question must be asked: Can two races live together in equality?
2. It has yet to be proved that a state of equality can be obtained in the United States for African Americans.
3. Given the momentum that exists within African-American society to gain more freedom, is a reversal in racial power inevitable?
II. Slavery in America: Slavery is the source of black rage.
A. Perhaps the earliest voice of black rage is that of David Walker
B. Nat Turner's insurrection solidified white America's fear of rebellion.
C. Perhaps the most militant voice of black rage during slavery is that of Henry
D. Fredrick Douglass, though a more moderate voice, also demonstrates the rage of his race.
III. Reconstruction and Jim Crow: With slavery abolished, equality was still not
accomplished, further embittering African Americans and fueling the desire to
A. T. Thomas Fortune explains the plight of the black race during Reconstruction, proclaiming that nothing has been solved; slavery is gone, but the black man is not free.
B. Marcus Garvy stands alone as one who has vehemently sought to channel the r...