Niagara Movement facts for kids
The Niagara Movement was an important group of African-American leaders. They worked hard to get equal rights for black people in the United States. This movement was started in 1905 and was led by a famous thinker named W. E. B. Du Bois. The group strongly disagreed with the ideas of Booker T. Washington, especially his "Atlanta Compromise" plan.
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What Was the Niagara Movement?
The Niagara Movement was a civil rights organization. This means they fought for fair treatment and equal rights for all people. At the time, African Americans faced a lot of unfair rules and practices, like segregation. Segregation meant black and white people were kept separate, often with black people getting worse schools, hospitals, and public places.
Why Was It Started?
Many African Americans felt that the progress towards equality was too slow. They believed that Booker T. Washington's approach, which focused on vocational training and economic self-help before demanding full political rights, was not enough. Washington's "Atlanta Compromise" suggested that black people should accept segregation for a while if they could get economic opportunities.
Du Bois's View
W. E. B. Du Bois and others in the Niagara Movement believed that African Americans should demand full equality right away. They wanted equal voting rights, an end to segregation, and equal opportunities in education and jobs. They felt that giving up any rights, even temporarily, was wrong.
Key Meetings and Goals
The Niagara Movement held several important meetings. These gatherings helped them plan their actions and spread their message.
First Meeting in 1905
The first meeting took place in July 1905. About 29 black intellectuals and activists met near Niagara Falls, Canada. They chose this location because hotels in the U.S. side of Niagara Falls would not let black people stay. At this meeting, they wrote down their main goals. They called for freedom of speech, the right to vote, and an end to unfair treatment in courts.
The Declaration of Principles
At this first meeting, the group created a document called the "Declaration of Principles." This paper clearly stated what they believed and what they wanted to achieve. It was a strong call for justice and equal rights for all African Americans. They demanded that black people should have the same opportunities as white people.
Later Meetings
The movement continued to meet in different cities.
- In 1906, they met at Harpers Ferry, a place famous for a slave revolt led by John Brown. This meeting was very symbolic.
- In 1907, they met in Boston, Massachusetts.
- They also held meetings in other places like New York and Washington, D.C.
Challenges and Legacy
The Niagara Movement faced many challenges. It was hard to get enough money and support. Also, there were strong disagreements among black leaders about the best way to achieve equality.
Impact and Influence
Even though the Niagara Movement did not last very long (it ended around 1910), its ideas were very powerful. Many of its members later helped to create the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) in 1909. The NAACP became one of the most important civil rights organizations in U.S. history.
Lasting Ideas
The Niagara Movement's focus on demanding full civil rights and challenging segregation directly influenced future civil rights efforts. Their brave stand helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. They showed that fighting for justice and equality was essential.
Images for kids
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William Monroe Trotter, 1915 photomechanical print
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Erie Beach Hotel, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. Destroyed by fire in 1975. Not to be confused with current Erie Beach Hotel in Port Dover, Ontario.
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Booker T. Washington, 1903 portrait
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Niagara Movement leaders W. E. B. Du Bois (seated), and (left to right) J. R. Clifford (who organized the 2nd meeting), L. M. Hershaw, and F. H. M. Murray at Harpers Ferry.
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Delegates to the Niagara Movement meeting in Boston, Massachusetts in 1907
