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Many young African Americans called for black power, which had many meanings. Few interpreted it to mean that physical self defense and violence were acceptable. A clear rejection of Dr. King's philosphy. To most including Stokely Carmichael it meant that African Americans should control the social, political, and economic direction of their struggle. Black Power stressed pride in the African American cultural group. African Americans showed pride in their racial heritage by adopting new Afro hairstyles and African style clothing. Many also took African names. 1968 olympic medalists Tommie Smith and John Carlos showed their support by giving the black power salute.



The begining of the Vietnam War