Segment 2: Bringing African American Oratory to a Larger Audience

In the early decades of the 20th century, some black leaders like Marcus Garvey argued that black people should turn away from white society. In the 1940s, the advent of radio brought powerful speakers like Mary McLeod Bethune to a wide audience. In the 1960s, some activists lost faith in the slow pace of change. Includes Stokely Carmichael and the last speech by Martin Luther King Jr—given on the eve of his assassination.

Listening Comprehension Questions

Read the following questions, then listen to the second segment of "Say it Plain" to find the answers.
Segment 2: Bringing African American Oratory to a Larger Audience

1. According to Marcus Garvey, what steps should African Americans take in order to improve their lives?
2. How did the advent of radio the audience for African American speeches during the middle of the twentieth century?
3. What First Lady was a close friend of Mary McLeod Bethune?
4. According to James Cone, why did Mary McLeod Bethune promote racial justice by celebrating the core democratic principles such as equality, freedom, and courage?
5. What experience led Stokely Carmichael to reject the civil rights movement's goal of racial integration?
6. Why was Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee in April 1968?
7. Why was Martin Luther King Jr. aware that his life was in danger when he gave his last speech in April 1968?

Answer key

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Key Terms and Topics

Terms

Answer key

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