Stokely Carmichael Speaking at Garfield High School, Seattle, 1967

In a speech to an overflow crowd at Garfield High School, Black Power leader Stokely Carmichael proclaimed “it’s a new day” for African Americans, who should assert themselves and no longer be ashamed of their color. About 20% of the listeners were white and many joined in cheering the speaker as he jabbed at White America.

Controversy preceded the event with the American Civil Liberties Union helping with the battle with the Seattle School Board for Carmichael’s right to use Garfield as the venue. Earlier in the day, Carmichael spoke to a crowd of 3,000 students at Edmundson Pavilion, University of Washington.  He clarified the “white press” misinterpretation of “Black Power.” “no one is talking about Blacks taking over the country, but about taking over our own communities.”

Photographer: Dave Potts

Image Date: 1967

Image Number: 1986.5.21041

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