ODUCTIONThe years between 1954 and 1965 represent the coalition of two movements that forever changed the landscape of American politics. The civil rights movement and the black power movement established two separate pushes for black civil and political equality. Understanding how each movement viewed race relations in the United States helps further explain the goals and how each movement influenced each other. In the following pages I will detail Black Power and civil rights leaders and how under their philosophy grew movements influenced by each other that forever changed the American political environment. THE PROBLEM Black Power identity was often linked to hatred and violence. and racial resentment. Leaders like Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, and Huey Newton talked endlessly about the issue of race relations and white oppression. Malcolm The speech emphasized the shared experience that all blacks face in the United States, stating that blacks should unite under a revolution of a common enemy, “The European.” He continues to explain how Europeans suppressed the ability of black people to reach and maximize their full potential. X's “Message to the Grassroots” speech is a testament to Black Power perceptions; through a common enemy the group was able to form a collective identity. Stokely Carmichael expressed similar tones during his campaign in the Black Power movement and especially in "The basis of Black Power". Carmichael detailed how white people cannot be part of the movement because it deludes, pollutes, and prevents the black community from… middle of paper… activism and largely followed the political framework of civil rights. movement. Nonetheless, the leaders of each movement help demonstrate how both groups influenced each other through activism and political participation. CONCLUSION The civil rights and black power movement had a profound impact on the United States and is widely credited with today's level of equality. Each movement conveyed emotion, dedication, and courage, which inspired the group to better their place within the infrastructure of the American Dream. The civil rights movement is considered the more effective of the two movements, but because black power was so intense and progressive civil rights are perceived positively. However, both movements caused dramatic political upheaval in the United States and abroad, successfully promoting positive change in the public and political spheres..