Institute of the Black World facts for kids
| Formation | 1969 |
|---|---|
| Dissolved | 1983 |
The Institute of the Black World (IBW) was a special group of thinkers and activists. It was like a "think tank," which is a place where smart people come together to study important issues and suggest solutions. The IBW was based in Atlanta, Georgia.
It was started in 1969 by smart people of African descent. They wanted to help the Black Freedom Struggle, which was a movement for equal rights for Black people. The IBW was led mainly by Vincent Harding. It was first a project of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
Other important leaders in the early years included Stephen Henderson and William Strickland. They worked together to understand the challenges facing Black communities. They also looked for ways to make things better in education, politics, and activism.
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What Was the IBW's Goal?
The IBW wanted to connect different ideas and groups within the Black community. They brought together people with various views. These included ideas like Black nationalism, which focused on Black pride and self-reliance. They also included integrationism, which aimed for Black and white people to live together equally.
The IBW wanted to reach three main groups of people:
- First, Black scholars who were creating Black Studies programs in universities. These programs focused on the history and culture of Black people.
- Second, Black elected officials. These were people who held government jobs and made decisions for their communities.
- Third, everyday groups of people working for change. These were called "grassroots organizations."
Many different thinkers joined the IBW. Some were nationalists like John Henrik Clark and Julius Lester. Others were integrationists like C. T. Vivian. The group also included many smart people from outside the United States, especially from the Caribbean. These included thinkers like C. L. R. James, Sylvia Wynter, Robert A. Hill, Walter Rodney, George Beckford, and Norman Girvan.
How Did the IBW Work?
The IBW had a very practical way of working. They focused on real-world problems. For example, they worked on developing Black Studies programs. They also helped create plans for Black political action in the 1970s.
They used the best ideas from many different viewpoints. This included ideas from cultural and political nationalism, and also from integration. Their goal was always to find the most effective ways to help the Black community.
What Projects Did the IBW Do?
The IBW did many helpful projects. They encouraged Black artists to create new works. They also made teaching materials for Black children. These materials helped children learn about their history and culture. One of their important projects was the Black Policy Studies Center. This center studied policies that affected Black communities.
Where Was the IBW Located?
The IBW was located on Chestnut Street in Atlanta. It was in a very special house. This was the house where the famous writer and civil rights leader W. E. B. Du Bois once lived. The Institute of the Black World closed its doors in 1983.
Institute of the Black World Today
In 2001, a new organization was formed with a similar name. It is called the Institute of the Black World 21st Century (IBW21). It was founded by Ron Daniels. This new group is based in Elmhurst, New York, and in Baltimore, Maryland. It continues to work on important issues for Black communities today.
