Carmichael and thelwell argued that black power was a call for blacks to reclaim their history and identity. from whom did they have to reclaim it? why was the assertion of black identity critical for the struggle for liberation?

Stokely Carmichael was the first to popularly use the term "Black Power". Carmichael said it at a speech in 1966 and stated that Black Power needs to be used as a slogan and term of solidarity between African Americans. For him and Thelwell, Africans need to reclaim their past and identity from white oppressors who through systematic slavery and oppression, robbed Africans of their freedom and progress. The assertion of a black identity was needed because being united together strengthens ties and the message for liberation.