African Americans need to voice their displeasure with oppression.
One example of this theme is in “The Color Purple,” by Alice Walker. In the book Celie begins as a beat down woman who just tries to survive. She does not stand up for herself when she gets beaten and taken advantage of. By the end of the book though, she finally stands up to Mr.____ (Albert) and puts him in his place. This opens up Albert’s eyes and he realizes his wrong doings and how miserable he made her life. The whole book the audience wanted her to stand up and voice her displeasure with being oppressed. Although this example is not of an African American speaking out to a white audience, it's still a very important example because they need to speak of wrong doings when it comes to anything.
Another great example is from Langston Hughes. In his article “To Negro Writers,” he says “There are certain practical things American Negro writers can do through their work.” He stresses on writing with a purpose instead of writing about things like “the moon.” He mentions how black writers are finally being heard, so they should write about the injustices of being oppressed. He told negro writers to write about organized religion and how contradictory it can be. He told black writers to write about segregation and the hand-me-down low grade things they get. Lastly he told them to write about lynchings and other terrible acts that occur from racism. This is what he wants and tells negro writers to write about. He wants the whole negro community to be heard. Hughes's own selections of writing was with this very purpose. Read Hughes's powerful and influential text "To Negro Writers" here http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/g_l/hughes/negrowriters.htm
Lastly, another example is from “The Great Debaters.” Through the debates they had, they voiced their opinions on topics such as segregation, and how segregating schools hurts more than it helps. Their debate with Harvard dealt with civil disobedience. James Farmer explained that because of racism, blacks may become civilly disobedient. He was heard in front of a national crowd, which was very effective. James was voicing his displeasure with the violent acts racism causes.
Another great example is from Langston Hughes. In his article “To Negro Writers,” he says “There are certain practical things American Negro writers can do through their work.” He stresses on writing with a purpose instead of writing about things like “the moon.” He mentions how black writers are finally being heard, so they should write about the injustices of being oppressed. He told negro writers to write about organized religion and how contradictory it can be. He told black writers to write about segregation and the hand-me-down low grade things they get. Lastly he told them to write about lynchings and other terrible acts that occur from racism. This is what he wants and tells negro writers to write about. He wants the whole negro community to be heard. Hughes's own selections of writing was with this very purpose. Read Hughes's powerful and influential text "To Negro Writers" here http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/g_l/hughes/negrowriters.htm
Lastly, another example is from “The Great Debaters.” Through the debates they had, they voiced their opinions on topics such as segregation, and how segregating schools hurts more than it helps. Their debate with Harvard dealt with civil disobedience. James Farmer explained that because of racism, blacks may become civilly disobedient. He was heard in front of a national crowd, which was very effective. James was voicing his displeasure with the violent acts racism causes.