more, chance of succeeding in racist USA as any place else in the world. At the very outset, all revolutions are minority revolutions. (my emphasis) (328)At the very outset, all revolutions are minority revolutions. Yes, even a black minority can effect a revolution. Once dismissed as an impractical channel for black rage and means of finally overcoming, revolution is very much a part of black thought throughout the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Black rage has become more impassioned with fury, eclipsing the earlier, more conservative mindset that disregarded the possibility of a violent revolution. Black rage has obtained a new height of demonstration and boldness.Accompanying revolutionary thought, black rhetoric of rage also strongly advocates the use of violence. The demonstration of black rage, previously confined to moderate words and philosophy, has risen to vehement protest and physical violence. H. Rap Brown, in his 1967 address entitled Colonialism and Revolution, denounces white-American racist colonialism and advocates violence and revolution. He asserts, The question of violence has been cleared up. This country was born on violence. . . . Violence is part of the revolutionary struggle. . . . Power, indeed, must come from the barrel of a gun (312). Echoing this thought, Williams asserts, You cannot have progress here without violence and upheaval, because its struggle for survival for one and a struggle for liberation for the other. Always the powers in command are ruthless and unmerciful in defending their position and their privileges. (Negroes 173)Just as the Civil War was required to end the devastating oppression of slavery, so during the 60s spokesmen of black rage have determined that a violent uprising is required to secure civil rights. Defying the philosophy of nonviolence as a means of obtaining a dream utopia of equality, Williams concedes, The most noble of mankind must surely aspire for a ...
