From Malcolm X to Malcolm X Liberation University: a liberatory philosophy of education, Black student radicalism and Black independent educational institution building 1960-1973

This dissertation extends research on Malcolm X’s socio-political philosophies of Black Nationalism as juxtaposed to that of educational progression for African Americans during the ‘Black Power’ era. The influence of Malcolm X provoked a call for ‘African-centered schooling,’ or institutions in the traditions of self-sufficiency, self-determination, and nationalistic pride. Malcolm X’s expansive social and political thought catalyzed later practitioners of social change who stirred up the American landscape from 1965 to 1973. Black students were especially inspired by Malcolm X’s evolving idealism, and their protest efforts would lead to the deconstruction of psychologically oppressive curricula in post-secondary institutions, including those predominately White. Student organizations such as the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Black Panther Party (BPP), the US Organization, the Council of Independent Black Institutions, the Student Organization of Black Unity (SOBU), and the Southern Student Organizing Committee (SSOC) effectuated change nationally in the interests of a global vision of Pan-Africanism. In addition, educational institutions such as Malcolm X Liberation University first in Raleigh-Durham, then Greensboro, North Carolina, illustrate the successful ideological connection between Malcolm X and Black Nationalism. MXLU, for all its deficiencies, was a place where the librated hopes of many Black folks came to fruition.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Policy Studies

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2010

Author dc:creator

• Benson, Richard D.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Pak, Yoon K.
• Parker, Laurence J.
• Anderson, James D.
• Stovall, David O.
• Danns, Dionne

• African American education
• Malcolm X
• Black Student Movement
• PanAfricanism
• Black Power
• Student Protest

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2010 Richard D. Benson

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/15535

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/15535