Black Power

The second half of Black Power is particularly illuminating in its characterization of the law and how political groups and actions have both shaped and degraded African American communities. Ture and Hamilton articulate that, as Americans, we grow up learning that “laws operate impartially and objectively, irrespective of race or other particular differences” when in reality “law is the agent of those in political power; it is the product of those powerful enough to define right and wrong and to have that definition legitimized.” This sentiment is reminiscent of MLK’s just and unjust law dichotomy, in which he recognizes that certain man-made laws serve to benefit only certain groups while demeaning others. He then encourages his audience to obey laws that uplift human life and to disobey laws that inherently degrade it, pointing out that just because legislation is in place does not make it a universal right or truth. This is especially true in the cases of laws that prevent African Americans from exercising their own rights; the white men who make and enforce the laws have only white interests in mind. Ture and Hamilton acknowledge this and propose a course of action that is logical but controversial: African Americans should develop a united and internal political front before coalescing with “allies.” This would ensure a base of power that would be more difficult for white politicians to ignore. However, as the book points out, though this plan is empowering and logical, it is easier said than done; there is still the obstacle of a deeply-ingrained fear operating within the black community. The notion of black power attempts to wade through this fear of becoming publicly and politically involved, promoting united and intensive political action as the only way in which African Americans can procure the power and ability to make their own community decisions without white interference or authority.