Selma Freedom Day was an important day in black history. It raised national awareness that black civil rights laws in southern states were not being addressed. Obtaining voting rights is one of the privileges of being an American. In a government were democracy is run, a life without a vote means no say in how the government is run. Women knew this in the early 1900's and strived for their vote. Blacks too knew that it would be better in the long run to use ballots instead of bullets. Ballots would allow them to vote for what they wanted without violence. I believe that this was very important for African Americans because their efforts put forth of waiting in lines and attempting to end segreagation allowed them to obtain their voting rights.

Carmichael uses the term "institutional racism" to describe the intimidation, fear, and demoralizing political structures in Lowndes County--and the nation as a whole. Within the context of the passage, the author accounts for instances of such distress: he explains the unmerciful and tight institutional racism of coersion and control of white political power.
I think Carmichael's term is used perfectly, and very well characterizes Lowndes' political character. It was a society that institutionalized injustice and one that treated the concept of fear as a standard-fear was given a new meaning.
During the movement, this idea dominated all actions. People were afraid and threatened, diminishing morale and unity. This county, in particular, was truly "the epitome of the tight, insulated police state." However, the power of local leaders, though they were afraid, surpassed the white power structure. A black polictical party was established, marking not only the right to vote, but the right to live.
Institutional racism is perhaps more overwhelming and powerful than individual racism because institutional is to have as a standard- difficult to change, difficult to overcome, and difficult to surpass. Once an idea is institutionalized, its almost never considered any other way. Ultimately, this was not the case and a new party was created--and new lives were generating.

According to Lewis, this instance of police brutality seemed worse than others because it was a “face-off…between a completely nonviolent multitude of silent protestors and the truly malevolent force of a heavily armed, hateful battalion of troopers.” He describes the media coverage as “stunning – scene after scene of policemen on foot and on horseback beating defenseless American citizens.” He describes it as “too ugly to be real.” He claims that the viewers watching the footage thought that it was part of the Nuremburg movie that had been interrupted. They thought it so strange that it “couldn’t be real.” My reaction is almost similar to that of the nation. The brutality was so extreme it seems as if it is not humanly possible. It seems completely unreal.

This pamphlet by the LCFO is trying to convince the black people in Lowndes County, Alabama to vote and get involved in politics. The audience is mostly poor, uneducated sharecroppers and this pamphlet is made for easy reading and comprehension. The way the information is presented in a Q&A format also reinforces the simplicity of the whole process with straight to the point language. By taking this approach the LCFO is reaching out to all the blacks in the community. They empower the community to feel as though they can stand up for what they believe in and get their voices heard. The LCFO shows that this process of voting is not only necessary but also easy and effective. It only takes a little to get a lot done and brings the community together to fight for a just cause.

The purpose of the LCFO pamphlet is to encourage the county's black citizens to participate in politics through voting and party membership by convincing them of the need and their right to do so. It is successful in doing so by the use of language the reader would understand and relate to. The pamphlet also caters to its audience, generally poor black citizens of Lowndes County who have never voted, by breaking down the political process into simple terms and also explaining each part (voting, politics, etc.) using a question and answer format that is very logical. The readers probably are asking the same questions, thus the layout helps to reinforce the message. The pamphlet also speaks directly about the circumstances these people have had to go through. For example, beatings and burnings of homes, to show the party understands and sympathizes but also is determined to stop these things. And the way to do so is for the Lowndes County citizens to be active in politics. The ethos of the author is not stated, although the author seems to be one of the citizens, so citing education or other credentials would not be appropriate. The document uses extensive use of pathos to appeal to the emotions of the reader using direct phrases such as “they have told us we are not “qualified”…to run our own lives!” always talking in the first person, “we.” These would incite the readers’ sense of injustice and frustration at the current situation. The pamphlet also uses logos to explain otherwise confusing issues such as how to form a political organization through the use of numbered, simplified steps. Also, the overall argument would seem very logical to the reader: they should vote and participate to right the wrongs against them over the years.

Forman saw the advertisemet as evidence that the White Citizen's Council was on the defensive because it was asking for the continuation of a long history of "peace and tranquility" in the state. In other words, the article was promoting to keep the state as racist as it had always been. Since "outside agitators" were now present in the state and were trying to expose the injustices done by the local law enforcers, the White Citizen's Council felt that they needed to deliever its own message just as the SNCC was doing.Forman explains that the South was controlled by wealthy white business owners. The owners of banks and other financial institutions would deny black people business alot of the time. They would also deny business to white supporters of the Civil Rights movement. I was not shocked by this at all. I was quite aware that black people were second class citizens and were often denied even the basic of civil freedoms.

The pamphlet is trying to convince the black people to organize and vote in Lowndes county. It defines voting, politics, and what the people can accomplish by coming together to form a political organization and vote for their own candidates. It is very simple and easy for people to understand what is desired of them and how it can be beneficial to their lives. It caters to the needs of its audience by breaking everything down into small sections and explaining things in simple terms. An appeal to pathos is when it is explained why negroes have been kept out of politics, that voting "were 'white folks' business.'" Its layout reinforces its message by dividing the definitions and questions up, and by making it simple to read and easy to comprehend. Then, at the end, it reiterates the urgency of the situation, appeals to emotion, and then lists a specific action along with the address to make these things happen.

Selma Freedom Day was significant because it showed how the federal government was not enforcing the civil rights of African-Americans. It was a smart move for African-Americans because this (in a way) put pressure on the federal government to protect the blacks by enforcing the constitution. By shifting priorities from ending segregation to registering voters, this gave blacks more of a say in politics and therefore government. Through this, polititians were forced to take into consideration the needs and voice of the black community. I believe that this was more important because by registering voters the black community became stronger, and the event let the nation see the faults in the constitution and the federal government.

Selma Freedom day was significant because it shed light on the fact that the federal government was not inforcing civil rights laws in the south. But instead of giving up, these brave souls stood in the voter registration lines for hours upon hours in the blistering sun. They showed their determination to change the ways of the south. By switching from ending segregation to gaining more black voters, it would enable blacks to have more say in the legislation process and could therefore, affect the segregation laws. I agree that the voting is more important because it will give the entire black population a say and have more affect in the long run.

Selma Freedom day was significant because it shed light on the fact that the federal government was not inforcing civil rights laws in the south. But instead of giving up, these brave souls stood in the voter registration lines for hours upon hours in the blistering sun. They showed their determination to change the ways of the south. By switching from ending segregation to gaining more black voters, it would enable blacks to have more say in the legislation process and could therefore, affect the segregation laws. I agree that the voting is more important because it will give the entire black population a say and have more affect in the long run.

Forman criticizes the SCLC, and King especially, for being more about the appearance of a movement of force than actually forcing change. He felt King and SCLC was too conservative and gave into government requests easily. Forman criticizes King’s playing both sides, the government and the marchers, as a “classic example of trickery.” King appeared to be working with both sides, but actually would tell both sides different things, thus King’s criticisms show his lack of respect for this leader. John Lewis also identifies the SNCC and SCLC generation gap in how issues were dealt with when King refused to participate in the Freedom Rides. The phrase “De Lawd” was a criticism of King’s loftiness as a leader. However, Lewis understands the burden placed on MLK as a leader everyone is looking towards, thus he tries to reserve his judgment as opposed to many fellow SNCC members.
The right for Forman to criticize the actions of Revered King is unjustified because SNCC decided against participating in the March. As John Lewis said, the SNCC members lose a right to judge by standing on the sidelines and not being a part of the march. On the other hand, the actual criticism of King by Forman is justified. The use of trickery is a dangerous maneuver and could have undermined the movement if the public had discovered it. Although the marches acted as a revival of purpose without challenging any laws or procedures head-on like SNCC actions did, it served to boost the resolution of the people and also brought the violence against demonstrators to the public’s attention.

John Hulett makes many stong points in his speech about the organization of a new political party. He did not believe that the Democratic party was doing there job helping the black community gain their complete freedom, so he felt like he and the people needed to take this matter into their own hands. More than anything, Hulett stressed that to change the situation the people had to unite, because "when you are alone you cannot do anything." His example of the Lowndes County courthouse meeting, shows his determination on getting the Lowndes County Freedom Organization the same rights as the others. The emphasis on and passion Hulett showed for joing the fight, I think, would have had a powerful impact on the audience. The phrase "they will move and join us is this fight for freedom" had great confidence and optimism which would inspire some to join. Again, his courthouse example would put the Democratic Party's views in perspective and the audience could relate to it.

Freedom Day in Selma was a huge leap towards gaining national awareness of the violations of the Constitution in the south. Even though people were harassed and forced to stand outside in the heat for over eight hours, they accomplished the goal of letting the general public know how reluctant the Federal Government was to enforce civil rights laws in the Deep South. This was by far the most important effect of Freedom Day because it not only woke up the rest of the nation to these injustices, but it put pressure on the Federal Government to act upon them and help enforce the Constitution. This helped shift the effort from integration to getting the African Americans to vote. This shift meant that the Civil Rights Movement was beginning to get involved in politics and the government. By making the African American vote count, you allow that community to have an influence in society which will lead to the Civil Rights Movement becoming more than a movement, but laws and, eventually, a change in society in the United States.

The face-off on Bloody Sunday had a much greater impact on the American public than any other previous incidents. John Lewis cites several reasons for the relentless brutality and display of violence. The moods of the two groups of people were in sharp contrast. The troopers were armed for attack and brimming with hatred. It could easily be seen by the marchers that they had no choice but to face the malicious mob head on. The procession was somber, almost funeral-like, and the only sound to be heard was the shuffling of footsteps. Seeing the clash of these two groups on TV affected the nation because it could easily be seen how the troopers violently bowled over hundreds of people. Almost seeming unreal to viewers, the scene was something the nation had never seen before. While reading this, I was shocked at the pride of the marchers and their audacity to get swallowed up into clouds of tear gas and the onset of beatings. It is understandable that this particular instance would appall viewers because of the enormity of size and complete clash of personas. It was obvious that the nonviolent marchers had no chance against the blood-thirsty mob.

The main points of John Hulett’s speech are to inform the public that African Americans are no longer afraid, and if they are they shouldn’t be because, only through work will anything change for them. He continues to urge that fact that black men and women need to be involved in political positions, and can become part of the Black Panther Party. Hulett was very adamant in his example about the people of Lowndes County showing up for a meeting at the court house even though they were told that they couldn’t assemble there. Hulett appeals to his audience through powerful language and the reiteration of strength. Hulett states that “When people are together, they can do a lot of things, but when you are alone you cannot do anything…” I feel that this quote sums up the purpose of his speech, in that he wants each person to do their part by coming together as a group with a common goal to show everyone that they are strong and not backing down as well as become involved in their county to help further their cause. The rhetoric of this piece is very empowering towards its intended audience through repetition of power, community and strength.

In his speech, John Hulett stresses ideas such as the importance of Black Americans being politically accepted and the formation of the Black Panther Party (Lowndes County Freedom Organization). He emphasizes how the formation of the Lowndes County Freedom Organization makes the people “feel real strong” (Hulett 274) in protecting their human rights. In order to make this idea of his more convincing to the audience, he gives the example of Lowndes Country Freedom Organization’s successful legalization in having the mass meeting in church. He uses this particular example to show “when people are together, they can do a lot of things, but when you are alone you cannot do anything…” (Hulett 276). He also emphasizes the importance of gaining political respect among Black Americans. To get this idea across, he provides the audience with ideas such as “we can build our school system where our boys and girls can get an education” (Hulett 278). This shows how beneficial it will be for the Black Americans when their people gain political positions to help out the community.

I believe that it was very important to develop new attitudes about African-American identity. Having something such as the Black Panther party or the Nation of Islam gave African-Americans something that they could all relate to. Since they could all relate, they obviously felt closer together and this would help them in fighting for equality because they were so connected. This idea of change has been reflected in many of the other readings. In "How the Black Panther Party was Organized" Hulett talks about this theme of change in order to fight for their freedom. The Black Panther Party was something that African-Americans would never have dreamed of doing at the beginning of the movement but since they had this new identity it was easier to do.

Freedom Day was one of the first events that made people realize of the attrocities happening in the south. Sure people knew what was going on but it wasn't until Freedom Day that they truly took notice and that pressure was finally put on the federal government to do something about the south. So finally the whole nation was getting a taste of what was happening in Alabama and Mississippi and everywhere else in the south. The people of the SNCC and other organizations started to realize that going after desegregation wasn't the best tactic. While they wanted it to happen it most likely wouldn't. One major thing with that is the fact that it was dealing with the states rights but registering voters would have a lot more to do with the federal government. The states weren't going to budge so they had to go after the federal government to get what they needed. Desegregation was the ultimate goal but to acheive that goal they needed to get people to vote, to get the federal government involved. Each goal was important in its own right but at this place and time, voter registration was the most important to reach the ultimate goal.

Lewis’s description of this March is very different from other demonstrations. According to Lewis, the march from Selma to Montgomery is much more somber, like a funeral procession, than past marches. According to Lewis, the police brutality on “Bloody Sunday” seem worse than others because of the sober, self-controlled attitude of the marchers in contrast to the storm of vicious, uncontrollable violence of the police forces. To me, the image of the marchers kneeling down to pray and not even having enough time for the entire procession to kneel before the troops stormed them is the most disturbing to me. It is a very vivid and heartbreaking example of the peaceful protesters being confronted by unnecessary, brutal violence. According to Lewis, ABC showed fifteen minutes of footage of the confrontation. It seems shocking that the television station would be able to air that kind of graphic footage in a more conservative time than today. It makes me wonder how the news stations would handle that sort of situation today. It is no wonder that there was a greater reaction to the march than others; how could there not be after seeing such long, detailed footage of violent injustice.