Review by Choice Review
In 1966, the slogan "Black Power" was introduced at a rally in Mississippi. That has often been depicted as the beginning of the end of the Civil Rights Movement. Ogbar (Univ. of Connecticut) skillfully demolishes this argument, demonstrating that Black Nationalism helped to improve the image of African American culture and history. He does not deny that two prominent groups, the Nation of Islam and the Black Panther Party, ultimately saw their influence wane; nevertheless, they made a significant impact on the African American community. After these groups, few would ever see blacks as passive or ashamed of their heritage and history. Ogbar writes perceptively and lucidly about the Muslim movement and produces the best account of the Black Panther Party in print. He particularly shows that the Panthers, despite suffering from "lumpenism" (criminal activity and crude behavior), vigorously developed revolutionary organization. Ogbar also discredits the old canard that the Panthers were unusually sexist, showing instead an organization unusually sensitive to women's problems. This is an outstanding work. ^BSumming Up: Essential. All levels/libraries. D. R. Turner Davis and Elkins College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
