What were the key events and outcomes of the March Against Fear?

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What were the key events and outcomes of the March Against Fear?

The March Against Fear was a significant event during the Civil Rights Movement that took place in 1966. It was organized by James Meredith, an African American civil rights activist, to protest against racism and discrimination in Mississippi. The march aimed to encourage African Americans to exercise their voting rights and challenge the prevailing racial inequality in the state.

The key events of the March Against Fear began on June 5, 1966, when James Meredith started his solo march from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson, Mississippi. However, just two days into the march, Meredith was shot by a white supremacist, James Aubrey. This incident sparked outrage and led to a surge of support from various civil rights organizations and activists across the country.

In response to the shooting, other prominent civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Stokely Carmichael, and Floyd McKissick, joined the march to continue Meredith's mission. The march gained significant media attention and attracted thousands of participants, both black and white, who walked together in solidarity.

The outcomes of the March Against Fear were significant in shaping the Civil Rights Movement. Firstly, the march highlighted the ongoing racial violence and discrimination faced by African Americans in the South, bringing national attention to the issue. It also demonstrated the determination and resilience of the civil rights activists in their fight for equality.

Secondly, the march marked a turning point in the movement as it witnessed the rise of the Black Power movement. Stokely Carmichael, a leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), popularized the phrase "Black Power" during the march, advocating for a more militant approach to achieving civil rights. This shift in ideology and strategy influenced the direction of the movement in the years to come.

Lastly, the March Against Fear successfully brought about changes in voter registration. Despite the violence and intimidation faced by the marchers, their efforts led to an increase in African American voter registration in Mississippi. This progress contributed to the eventual passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to protect the voting rights of African Americans and other marginalized groups.

In conclusion, the key events and outcomes of the March Against Fear were the shooting of James Meredith, the participation of prominent civil rights leaders, the rise of the Black Power movement, and the impact on voter registration. This march played a crucial role in advancing the cause of civil rights and challenging racial inequality in the United States.