Date of Award
12-1994
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
History
First Advisor
Dr. Henry Davis
Second Advisor
Dr. Benjamin Wilson
Third Advisor
Dr. Bruce Haight
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This thesis will present historical data to summarize the contributions of four key African-American female figures of the civil rights era. The theme is devoted to the historical contributions of these women. Their achievements will be shown to have answered to human needs during the struggle for African American civil and human rights. These achievements were preceded by their personal perceptions as to what constituted tenable rights and needs, introspection, and their willingness to assume a leadership stance and leadership roles.
This written historical assessment will illustrate the chain of events, social and geographical particulars which triggered participation in the civil rights struggle by Septima Clark, Ella Baker, Diane Nash and Fannie Lou Hamer respectively. Through a brief biography of each figure, and a discussion of how each woman overcame personal and social obstacles, it will be shown that they collectively provided the backbone of the struggle for civil rights. This was accomplished by each figure without consciously seeking social recognition or personal acclaim. They were true revolutionaries in that each one of them risked either life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness at some point in their careers. The historical ramifications and impact of their participation in the hostile racial and condescending gender arena of the civil rights era will be highlighted.
Recommended Citation
Viera, Michelle Margaret, "A Summary of the Contributions of Four Key African American Female Figures of the Civil Rights Movement" (1994). Masters Theses. 3834.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3834