Organization of Afro-American Unity facts for kids
The Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) was an important group started by Malcolm X in 1964. It was inspired by the Organization of African Unity, which Malcolm X saw during his trip to Africa. The OAAU's main goal was to fight for the human rights of African Americans. It also wanted to encourage cooperation between people of African descent around the world.
Starting the OAAU
Malcolm X announced the OAAU's creation on June 28, 1964. This happened at a public meeting in New York City at the Audubon Ballroom. He worked with others like John Henrik Clarke, Albert Cleage, Jesse Gray, and Gloria Richardson to write the group's rules. At the time, the FBI saw the new OAAU as a concern for national safety.
What the OAAU Wanted to Achieve
Malcolm X and John Henrik Clarke wrote down the main ideas for the OAAU. These ideas were called the "Basic Unity Program." They focused on several key areas to help African Americans.
Connecting with Africa
The OAAU believed it was very important for African Americans to reconnect with Africa. They felt this connection would help them overcome challenges. They encouraged learning about African history and culture.
Learning and Growing
The OAAU wanted to create new ways to educate children. They hoped to free young minds from old ideas. They also wanted African Americans to write and publish their own textbooks. This would help teach children at home and in their communities.
Building Economic Strength
The OAAU understood that African Americans were a large group in the United States. They believed this group could become very powerful if they had economic freedom. The organization wanted to create a "technician bank." This meant having skilled African Americans ready to help new African nations.
Protecting Themselves
The OAAU believed that people needed the right to defend themselves. They encouraged African Americans to protect themselves from unfair attacks. They felt this was important to ensure their human rights, as stated in the United Nations Charter of Human Rights and the U.S. Constitution.
OAAU's Community Focus
The OAAU pushed for black communities to control their own lives. Malcolm X said the group would focus on human rights. But it would also work on other important issues. These included helping people register to vote and supporting school boycotts. They also looked at improving housing and creating social programs for those in need. Malcolm X saw the OAAU as a way to help black people believe in themselves. He wanted them to overcome negative ideas they had been taught.
International Connections
On July 17, 1964, Malcolm X attended a meeting of the Organisation of African Unity in Cairo. He was there as a representative of the OAAU. This showed the OAAU's goal of connecting with African nations.
Membership and Legacy
Malcolm X stated that the OAAU was mainly for black people. He did mention that a white person like John Brown, who fought against slavery, might have been accepted.
Malcolm X did not have much time to help the OAAU grow. After he passed away, his half-sister, Ella Little-Collins, took over. However, the group's membership became smaller. Without Malcolm X's leadership, the OAAU eventually stopped operating. Its ideas later influenced other groups, like the African American Defense League.
See also
In Spanish: Organización de la Unidad Afroamericana para niños
