Black Nationalism Assignments

Assignments due on days noted

Mar 31-April 4
Th: Read Black Nationalism, Marcus Garvey, Black Panthers selections (on reserve in Library)

F:Read Long Memory, Chapter 11

April 7-11
W: Read Malcolm X, Chpts. 1-7

April 14-18
M:Read Malcolm X, Chpts. 8-12

April 21-25
M: Read Malcolm X, Chpts. 13-16

W: Finish MX

April 28

M: Papers Due--see below

Assignment for Seminar V- Black Nationalism and Pan-Africanism: A Conversation with Malcolm X

Each of the seminars has coalesced around a primary question or issue. The Autobiography of Malcolm X incorporates many of these debates and issues as it explores the life and ideas of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. We would like you to revisit and consider these issues, as well as the connections between the seminars, by considering how Malcolm would respond to the various debates. Compose a 5-7 page, double-spaced, typed conversation with Malcolm in which you (or some other fictional person) debate and discuss three of the following questions with him:

1) If African-American culture is like gumbo, then what is the roux?
2) Is [Has] the black family [been] an enduring institution or an eroding institution?
3) What is the definition of racism and how can racism be expunged?
4) What role has and should religion play in the African-American community?
5) Is Black Nationalism and/or Pan-Africanism a necessary and viable response to the black experience in America?

You must address question 5; however, you have a choice as to which of the other 4 questions you address. Simply remember that you must do three of the questions. Furthermore, feel free to explore other issues related to any or all of these questions.
  
Your discussion with Malcolm should be recorded in dialogue form, as a debate, interview or simply a discussion. Your paper will be judged on the quality of the writing, the depth of your discussion and the accuracy of Malcolm's statements. Clearly you will have to infer Malcolm's responses from what you have gleaned about his life and ideas through the Autobiography. However, there should be enough material in the book on which to base your discussion and, in fact, you should use Malcolm's own words (i.e. quote from the book) where appropriate. 
  
Assignment due in class Monday, April 28.