The Role Black Women’s Bodies Play In The Civil Rights Movement

At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance – A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power, Danielle McGuire explores the role of black women and sexuality in the civil rights movement. She covers considerable ground, beginning in the early part of the post World War II era through the 1970s. Historians often explore how change occurs over time and why. Your task is to answer the following questions:

What is Danielle McGuire arguing about black women and the role black women’s bodies play in the Civil Rights Movement? What evidence/stories does she use to prove her argument? Based on what you believe she argues, explain how the idea of control over black women’s sexuality and bodies/behavior/movement is critical to the Civil Rights Movement?

Instead of summarizing the book, look at identifying moments or events that help us understand how black women’s bodies, actions, and participation shape the Civil Right Movement.

Be specific and be sure to cite your information. For example, if one of the things you choose to talk is the activism, you must reference and cite specific examples from the book to prove your point, not simply mention that times were tough.

Two important tips: 1. This is not an English Literature course; therefore, this paper must not be a literary criticism or a literary exploration of this work. You are writing from the perspective of a historian. 2. You must include specific evidence from the book.

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You must write a 1000-word paper on the prompt above.You will need to read the paper prompt and think about what it is you want to argue in this paper. You must formulate a thesis (an argument) based on what you identify as McGuire’s argument Once you have decided what you plan to write, consider creating an outline to help organize your thoughts. Make a list of what events or issues you plan to discuss to help guide you and to ensure that you prove your argument.

Be sure to have a strong introduction to this paper that includes your thesis. You will use the information in the assigned book to support your answer. You may not use outside sources for this paper. You will need to analyze the content of the book, interpret it, and then present it in a well structured, organized, and grammatically correct format.

Keep in mind that the way you convey your information is just as important as your content.