Civil Rights after the Civil Rights Movement

When the nation was informed of Martin Luther King's assassination, the African-Americans began rioting and setting their own cities on fire in anger, frustration and revenge of such an important civil rights leader. Although the black communities major leader was no longer leading them, they realized it was still important to fight for their rights and freedom. Soon after MLK's death, the Black Panther Party was formed to advocate for civil rights and change. However, there was a big difference between King's approaches and the Black Panther's. King focused on the white race and the black race coming together as one, to unify and become equal. The Black Panther Party's approach, however, was not focused on coming together with the Whites, but rather fighting for the ability to control their own destiny and have their own power. While African-Americans saw the Black Panther's as an incredible step towards change and power, the FBI and US government claimed them to be a major threat to America and its citizens. This is because the Panther's obtained rights to have their own guns to protect their people from police brutality. Eventually in the 70s, African-Americans rights were progressing - there were 21 black characters in television shows/films, creating something America has never seen before or ever thought possible. Soul Train, pretty much a TV show where African Americans just danced, became a popular TV show that promoted self-love and that "blacks are beautiful". Although we haven't finished the documentary, there has already been a major progression in equal rights for all and it will be interesting to watch the rest of the film to see how much has continued to change from the 60s until now.