What was the main goal of the Albany Movement?

The Albany Movement primarily aimed to launch a nonviolent attack against all forms of segregation within the city of Albany, Georgia. This grassroots civil rights initiative emerged in the early 1960s and sought to challenge and dismantle the institutionalized racial segregation that affected various aspects of life, including education, transportation, and public facilities.

The movement utilized peaceful protests, sit-ins, and other forms of civil disobedience to draw attention to the struggles faced by African Americans and to mobilize support for their rights. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and local activists emphasized the importance of nonviolent resistance as a means to achieve social change and promote equality. The Albany Movement became a significant episode in the wider Civil Rights Movement, showcasing the determination of its participants to confront and overcome systemic discrimination.

While promoting economic self-sufficiency and advocating for civil rights legislation were important issues during this era, the primary focus of the Albany Movement was directly linked to combating segregation through organized, nonviolent actions. Additionally, although some participants may have aligned with political parties to promote their cause, the movement itself was not rooted in supporting the Democratic Party's initiatives, but rather in challenging existing inequalities.